Torkham border to reopen today after 25 days as Pakistan, Afghanistan agree on ceasefire

• Jirga head says Afghan officials agreed to remove controversial construction. 
• Kazmi says ceasefire will remain in place until JCC meeting takes place.
• Pakistani officials express satisfaction with Afghan authorities' decision. 

KHYBER: The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan is set to reopen for trade today (Wednesday) after a 25-day closure, following successful negotiations by the authorities of the two countries. 

The border crossing was closed on February 21 after tensions escalated when Afghan forces began construction inside Pakistani territory.

Head of Pakistani tribal jirga Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi said that Afghan officials have agreed to remove the controversial construction that had led to tensions between the two sides.

He said that a ceasefire will remain in place until the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting takes place, ensuring stability in the region. Pakistani security officials have expressed satisfaction with the Afghan authorities' decision, Kazmi added.

A flag meeting between representatives of both countries will be held shortly, after which the trade route will officially reopen. 

According to customs officials, the Torkham crossing facilitates daily trade worth approximately $3 million and sees the movement of around 10,000 people. The reopening is expected to restore economic activity and ease travel for traders and citizens who rely on this vital border route.

Pakistan and Afghanistan had reached an agreement for a ceasefire and the reopening of the Torkham trade route for all types of movement earlier this week following weeks of jirga meetings between the authorities.