A high-level delegation from Pakistan is set to visit Afghanistan today (Tuesday) for key consultations with Afghan officials on border management and bilateral trade, according to official sources. The visit will include discussions on the “One Document Regime” as well as measures to improve border control, trade cooperation, and cross-border movement systems. Sources emphasised that the visit was pre-scheduled and is not linked to the recent closure of the Torkham border or the current tensions between the two countries. During the visit, the Pakistani delegation is expected to hold several meetings with Afghan counterparts, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation and building mutual trust. Earlier, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire during talks mediated by Qatar and Turkiye in Doha, Qatar’s foreign ministry announced on Saturday night on X.
All set to reopen Torkham trade crossing
Pakistan and Afghanistan are preparing to reopen the Torkham trade crossing soon, which had been closed for the past nine days due to border tensions. Customs authorities have instructed their staff to report immediately at the Torkham terminal as preparations got under way. According to customs sources, a cargo scanner has been moved back to the terminal to resume clearance of goods vehicles. The scanner was removed on the night of October 11 and 12 when tensions flared along the border. Officials confirmed that the Torkham crossing was closed eight days ago following the escalation of Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions. On the Afghan side, security officials said hundreds of passengers have already arrived at the border after hearing that the gate may soon reopen. The closure had brought cross-border trade to a halt, leaving dozens of trucks loaded with fruits, vegetables, and other goods stranded on the Pakistani side.