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Pakistan and Afghanistan Move to Reopen Torkham After 10-Day Closure

An immediate ceasefire mediated by Qatar and Türkiye created space for coordinated steps to restart cross-border trade.

Overview

  • Customs authorities instructed staff to report to the Torkham terminal, and a cargo scanner removed on October 11–12 was moved back to resume goods clearance.
  • Afghan authorities deployed customs personnel at the crossing, with security officials reporting hundreds of passengers arriving in anticipation of reopening.
  • Officials from both sides signaled the crossing could reopen within 24 to 48 hours, describing preparations as focused on restoring normal trade flows.
  • A high-level Pakistani delegation is holding consultations in Afghanistan on border management and trade procedures, including the proposed One Document Regime.
  • The shutdown of Torkham and Chaman for about ten days halted trade and pedestrian movement, stranding trucks and prompting traders to report heavy daily losses, while the ChamanQuetta passenger train remains suspended.