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Goods carrier trucks cross into Pakistan at the zero point Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan, in Nangarhar province. — AFP/File
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Landicotal: The Grand Jirga between Pak-Afghan elders and businessmen called for the second consecutive day on Monday, which aims to resolve the ongoing bunker dispute between Pakistan and Afghanistan peacefully.
He said the two sides were witnessing a ceasefire until March 11 as tribal elders, traders and officials have been busy in intense talks to reopen the major crossing, which has been closed for the past 17 days.
For more than two weeks, the increase in tensions on the construction of a security bunker near the border has severely affected trade and movement between the two countries. As a result of this closure, traders suffered widespread damage, long rows of trapped trucks that are carrying devastating goods and are suffering for passengers on both sides. The halt raised concerns about the long economic impact on the region.
Unlike the last two weeks of halt and uncertainty, a peaceful environment was seen in the crossing on Monday. By consensus by the Grand Jirga, the ceasefire has given the border city a sense of relief. Government and negotiators from both sides hoped that a resolution was within reaching, which paved the way for the border reopening.
Jerga members representing both Pakistan and Afghanistan said significant progress was made during the talks. “We have reached the level of understanding and will soon be heard about the reopening of the nations’ border,” said The News. However, they refrained from displaying specific terms of possible settlement. The business community, especially traders who suffered a lot of damage due to closure, urged both governments to accelerate the resolution process.
“Every passing day costs millions of us. Authorities should work quickly to ensure that work will resume without further delay in trade, “said Mujib Khan Shinwari, president of the Customs Clearing Agents of the Turkham.
“I’ve been waiting for more than two weeks to cross Afghanistan,” said an Afghan national trapped in the Turkham. Many other people have been forced to stay in a temporary residence near the border in hopes of progress in negotiations.
The Grand Jirga had earlier declared a ceasefire until March 11, in which both Pakistan and Afghanistan were urged to avoid any further additions.
Tribal elders emphasized that peace is the only way because prolonged enmity will be detrimental to both countries. Although the atmosphere remained calm, security forces from both sides continued to monitor the situation. Additional troops were deployed after the clashes against the controversial bunker last month, resulting in the deaths from both sides.
Authorities have maintained a sharp state of war to prevent any unpleasant incidents. The recent tension came from the construction of a security bunker near the Afghan border, which Pakistani authorities opposed, citing violations of previous agreements.
The disagreement increased into armed clashes, causing crossing closures and already undermining the critical bilateral relations. For a long time, far -reaching economic results have yielded economic results.
The Turkham acts as an important commercial artery and its closure has led to inflation pressure in local markets, affecting both Pakistani and Afghan users. Afghan traders have been particularly disturbed because they relies heavily on Pakistani routes for imports and exports.
Diplomatic efforts are underway to eliminate tensions with high -level talks between Pakistani and Afghan officials. The two sides have recognized the strategic importance of the Turkham and agreed to find a sustainable solution. Geraga elders have called on the two governments to work towards a long -term agreement to prevent border disputes in the future.
“This is not just about today’s problem. We need a permanent mechanism to deal with such disputes peacefully,” said a member of the JIRGA. As the talks are underway, everyone’s eyes are on the coming days, with hopes that an agreement will be finalized soon.
The reopening of the border will be an important step towards normalization of normal restoration, traders, passengers and both countries. With the development of ceasefire and dialogue, stakeholders are cautiously hopeful that the deadlock will end soon.
