Pakistan-Afghanistan border likely to reopen in next 24 to 48 hours: sources

Islamabad (Web Desk): Diplomatic sources have confirmed that Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached a preliminary agreement to open the border, with the possibility of reopening it within the next 24 to 48 hours, provided no new disputes arise, the sources revealed.

Trucks that had been stuck at the Spin Boldak border in Chaman have begun entering Pakistan, while trucks carrying Afghan citizens are also crossing into Afghanistan.

Preparations to reopen the Torkham border, which had been closed for nine days following a ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan, have been completed. Customs staff have been instructed to report to the Torkham terminal, and scanners have been deployed to clear cargo vehicles.

Both countries’ authorities have reached an agreement on the reopening of the border. If no further issues arise, the border will be opened.

The Chaman, Ghulam Khan, and Angora Da border posts in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remain closed, with trade and pedestrian movement suspended. Hundreds of vehicles, including Afghan transit trade trucks and those carrying perishable goods, have been stranded on both sides, with fruits and vegetables starting to spoil.

Earlier, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that both countries are committed to swiftly eliminating terrorism. He emphasized that Pakistan and Afghanistan must make serious efforts to combat terrorism, or the security of the entire region could be in jeopardy.

In an interview with Arab News, Khawaja Asif said that terrorism has long impacted the Pakistan-Afghanistan border areas. He explained that the main purpose of the recent agreement was to address terrorism, which had escalated to direct clashes between the two countries last week.

He thanked Qatar’s Emir, Turkish President, and the Turkish delegation for their mediation efforts, which played a crucial role in the agreement.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and China have both welcomed the ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Saudi Arabia stated that the move would help ease tensions between the two countries, while China offered to play a constructive role in improving relations and fostering development between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

A follow-up meeting between the delegations of Pakistan and Afghanistan is scheduled to take place in Istanbul on October 25.