KHYBER: The Torkham border remained closed for a second consecutive day on Sunday, as Afghan border authorities continued work on the controversial security post close to the zero point.

Over 200 Afghan nationals, who had arrived at Torkham on Sunday morning with the hope of reopening of the border, returned to Peshawar after they were refused to undergo immigration process due to the closure of all government offices since Saturday morning.

Custom officials and clearing agents, too, stayed back goods clearance was also halted on Saturday.

Several vehicles loaded with edibles and perishable items were sent back to Landi Kotal and Peshawar, after the abrupt closure of border late on Friday night.

Officials at the border said no direct talks were held between the border security officials of the two countries, explaining that Kabul and Islamabad had taken upon themselves to resolve the issue at a higher level.

Sources in the border area expressed apprehensions that despite Pakistan’s maximum restraint to keep tempers low, the highhandedness being shown by the Afghan authorities could turn the controversial development into an armed conflict between the neighbouring countries.

The sources disclosed that security forces on the Pakistani side of the Torkham border directed all stranded vehicles from the zero point towards the under-construction custom terminal for safety.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2025