Pakistan, Afghanistan ceasefire brings hope as Torkham border awaits reopening

PESHAWAR: The recently announced ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan brought relief and optimism across the western frontier, yet the key Torkham border remains closed for a ninth day, disrupting trade and livelihoods, traders and economists told Pakistan TV Digital.

According to estimates from the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the prolonged closure has resulted in economic losses of nearly Rs9 billion [$32 million]. The border remains sealed to all trade and pedestrian traffic despite the ceasefire agreement reached over the weekend.

SCCI President Junaid Altaf, speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, welcomed the truce but noted that normalcy had yet to return.

“A ceasefire is finally in place,” he said. “However, the Torkham border is still closed for all kinds of traffic.”

Local traders have been hit hard, particularly those dealing in perishable commodities. Naimat Ullah Khan, head of a major fruit trading association in Peshawar, said hundreds of trucks loaded with fresh produce are stranded on both sides.

“Fruit is a major export and import item between the two countries,” he said. “Hundreds of trucks full of fruit are rotting on both sides of the border,” urging the authorities to keep economic activities separate from political and security issues to safeguard livelihoods.

Preparations on the ground, however, suggest that reopening may be near.

“NLC officials have reinstalled import and export scanners, and cleaning work has started,” Altaf said. “This suggests trade could resume soon, though no official order has been issued yet.”

The National Logistics Cell (NLC) oversees cargo terminals at Torkham, while the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) manages customs, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) handles immigration, and the Frontier Corps (FC) maintains border security. Coordination among these agencies will be key once operations resume.

For communities along the rugged frontier, the crossing is a lifeline. Most residents rely on cross-border trade due to the region’s arid landscape and limited agricultural potential. Viral videos on social media have shown long lines of trucks waiting for clearance, highlighting the deep economic interdependence between the two nations.

Development economist Sher Shah Khan Bangash said economic cooperation was essential to sustainable peace.

“Pakistan and Afghanistan are economically interdependent, one provides access to global ports, the other a vital corridor to Central Asia,” he told Pakistan TV Digital. “Sustainable prosperity in the region depends on connectivity, not closures.”

Meanwhile, the border situation coincides with Pakistan’s ongoing repatriation policy concerning undocumented foreign nationals, including Afghans. Officials emphasize that the process is being conducted lawfully and with due humanitarian consideration.

‘Foundation for maintaining peace’ 

The ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan has drawn broad international praise, particularly for the mediating role of Qatar and Türkiye.

In Riyadh, the Saudi foreign ministry welcomed the signing of the agreement, describing it as a step toward “lasting peace and stability between the two countries.” The statement reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for “all efforts promoting regional security” and expressed hope that the development “will end tensions on the border.”

Oman also welcomed the Doha agreement, commending the “constructive diplomatic efforts of Qatar and Türkiye” and expressing hope for “sustainable peace and prosperity” between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

From Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Russia “welcomes the agreement reached between Kabul and Islamabad” and noted that the commitment to dialogue “serves as the foundation for maintaining peace and regional stability.” She encouraged both sides to “expand cooperation, including in counterterrorism.”

Meanwhile, officials in Islamabad have reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace, security, and prosperity across the region. As NLC teams continue maintenance work and traders await official word, the Torkham crossing stands at a moment of cautious optimism. A symbol of both regional interdependence and the hope for lasting stability along Pakistan’s western frontier.