Torkham border stalemate continues
Tensions escalated at the Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the last week of February after the Afghan security forces started making some new constructions close to the border.
Last week both countries formed jirgas to resolve the conflict.
Representatives from both sides held their first meeting at the Torkham border a few days ago and agreed to a ceasefire and discussions on the issue of disputed constructions.
As per the jirga's decision, both countries implemented a ceasefire, which remains in effect to date.
In line with the agreement, the Afghan jirga met with Afghan officials in Kabul on Wednesday to convey the Pakistani's concerns about new constructions.
After receiving instructions from Kabul, the Afghan jirga arrived at Torkham at 1pm on Thursday for negotiations. However, after waiting for two hours, it returned without engaging in talks.
The head of the Afghan jirga and Afghan Chamber of Commerce Chairman Yunus Mohmand said the Afghan delegation was scheduled to hold a decisive and final negotiation session with the Pakistani jirga.
"The Afghan jirga arrived ahead of time, but was taken aback when the Pakistani side unilaterally increased its delegation from 17 members to 70 without prior consultation."
According to Mohmand, the Afghan delegation found this unexpected and concerning, as the new list, according to him, included "irrelevant individuals with no connection to Pak-Afghan tensions or bilateral trade".
Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi, head of the Pakistani jirga and advisor to the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, confirmed the development.
He said the Afghan delegation objected to inclusion of 53 more members to the Pakistani delegation, which originally comprised 17 members.
Kazmi said this was a serious bilateral dispute affecting peace and economic stability between two brotherly nations. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to resolving the Torkham border issue through negotiations.
He said despite the Afghan jirga's withdrawal, both sides remained in contact. However, by the time further discussions could be arranged, the Afghan delegation had already returned to Kabul, making their return to Torkham on the same day logistically difficult.
Kazmi expressed confidence that by tomorrow (Friday), efforts would be made to bring the Afghan jirga back to the negotiating table and resolve the issue peacefully.
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