Pakistan reopens Torkham border with Afghanistan after Turkish-mediated truce

Pakistani authorities reopened the Torkham border crossing on Tuesday, allowing the return of Afghan nationals who had been detained for residing illegally in the country. The strategic gateway—linking Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province with Afghanistan’s eastern Nangarhar region—had been closed since late February following intense exchanges of fire and a sharp deterioration in bilateral relations.

Limited Reopening with Conditions

A spokesperson for the provincial government confirmed that the border was reactivated a day after a “flag meeting” between military officials from both sides. Initially, movement is restricted to the repatriation of detained Afghan nationals. “If things go well, then other activities, including trade and general public movement, will be restored gradually,” the official stated, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Türkiye’s Role in De-escalation

The recent escalation stemmed from cross-border militant attacks linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), prompting Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghan territory. Tensions subsided after a week-long ceasefire was agreed upon ahead of Eid al-Fitr on March 18, following mediation efforts by Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Ankara’s diplomatic engagement in the region continues to underscore its commitment to stability among neighboring states.

Tribal Assembly Calls for Dialogue

Separately, a grand jirga convened in Peshawar on Tuesday, bringing together tribal elders, political figures, and civil society representatives from both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Participants urged the two governments to pursue sustained dialogue and peaceful resolution of ongoing disputes, emphasizing that uninterrupted trade and movement through crossings like Torkham and the southwestern Chaman border are vital for economic stability in the region.