Torkham border closure leaves thousands stranded amid winter hardships

In Peshawar, Pakistan, the Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan has been closed since February 21, 2025, due to a dispute between the two nations regarding Afghanistan's construction of a border post. This closure has caused significant disruption to bilateral trade and the movement of people, leaving thousands stranded in harsh winter conditions. Reports indicate that more than 5,000 trucks and vehicles carrying essential goods, including fruits and vegetables, are stuck on both sides of the border, awaiting a resolution to the dispute and the subsequent reopening of this critical trade route. Amidst these challenges, transporters have expressed their distress. Truck driver Najeeb Ullah revealed that he is forced to stay in his vehicle, unable to leave it unguarded on the roadside. Similarly, Mustafa Khan, another driver, shared his frustration with being stranded as he tried to return home after delivering a shipment to Afghan city Jalalabad. Furthermore, Afghan citizen Farhad Nusrat highlighted the plight of his family, who have been compelled to spend days and nights outdoors due to the border closure. Officials from both countries have acknowledged the situation, stating that these disruptions generally arise from disputes concerning new posts along the Durand Line, which Afghanistan has never officially recognized. Despite Pakistan's recent completion of a border fence to enhance control, ongoing issues regarding construction and territorial disputes persist. The strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul are exacerbated by the growing threat of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has increased attacks on security forces in Pakistan since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021. The closure heightens the strain on already tenuous relations, emphasizing the urgent need for both nations to engage in dialogue and resolve the current disagreements. Business leaders and transporters alike are urging their respective governments to act quickly, particularly as the situation becomes increasingly dire for thousands left waiting at the border during the cold winter months.