LANDI KOTAL-A grand jirga was held at the office of the Tehsil Chairman in Landi Kotal to address the ongoing closure of the Torkham border, which has halted bilateral trade and cross-border movement for over a month.
Broad Participation in the Jirga
The meeting brought together leaders of political parties, tribal elders, local government representatives, customs clearance agents, transporters, traders, labor union heads, and other community members from various sectors.
During the session, participants discussed in detail the economic and social hardships caused by the prolonged border shutdown. Speakers expressed concern that thousands of daily wage earners, transporters, and small business owners were suffering due to the suspension of trade and pedestrian movement between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Call for Reopening the Border
The jirga participants made a joint appeal to the higher authorities of both Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging them to immediately reopen the Torkham border for two-way trade activities and pedestrian crossings.
“The border closure has paralyzed business and destroyed livelihoods,” one participant said.
“We urge both governments to prioritize humanitarian and economic concerns over political differences.”
Humanitarian and Economic Concerns
Community leaders highlighted that the Torkham crossing serves as a lifeline for thousands of families living along the border, who depend on daily trade and transport for survival. They warned that continued closure could further worsen the economic crisis in the region and strain bilateral ties. https://x.com/htnworld/status/1987835907869679717?s=20
The jirga concluded with a unanimous resolution calling for diplomatic engagement between Islamabad and Kabul to ensure the resumption of cross-border trade and the free movement of people, emphasizing peace and cooperation as the foundation of regional stability.
