The Torkham border, a vital lifeline linking Afghanistan and Pakistan, is more than just a crossing point—it is the bridge that sustains trade, commerce, and cultural ties between two countries that share a long and tumultuous history. However, the recent closure of this strategic corridor has highlighted the fragility of this relationship and the profound impact that border disputes can have on the lives of ordinary citizens. With the border reopening after nearly a month of tense standoff, the question now is: What is the cost of these lost weeks, and how much has been left in the wake of this closure?
For over three weeks, vehicles laden with goods have stood still at various locations along the Pak-Afghan highway, unable to move across the border. What was once a bustling route for trade and transportation became a symbol of economic paralysis. The disruptions were felt far and wide, particularly by the traders and transporters who rely on the smooth operation of this crossing to sustain their livelihoods. Estimates suggest that over $60 million in trade has been lost, with a staggering decline in the bilateral trade volume—once at $2.5 billion annually, now reduced to a mere $1.4 billion. As the trucks accumulated on both sides of the border, so did the frustration and financial loss of countless individuals.
Cement, rice, medicines, and poultry—staples exported from Pakistan to Afghanistan—sat in limbo. Likewise, Afghanistan’s exports of fruits, vegetables, and coal were unable to reach Pakistani markets. In the years prior, these products formed the backbone of regional commerce. But in the wake of the border’s closure, this robust exchange has dwindled, exacerbating the economic strain felt by businesses on both sides.
While the economic toll has been devastating, it is not the only casualty of this border crisis. The education sector, often the first to suffer in times of political instability, has also been severely impacted. In the Bajaur and Khyber districts, over 500 students from government and private schools found themselves deprived of their right to education. With their classrooms closed for more than 20 days, these students—many of whom were preparing for critical annual exams—saw their academic futures put at risk. The interruption of their studies serves as a stark reminder of how vulnerable young minds are to the geopolitical tensions that often seem distant from their daily lives.
It is not just the students and traders who are suffering; the broader communities surrounding the border have also felt the effects of this disruption. With trade frozen and job opportunities limited, the daily lives of countless families were thrown into uncertainty. Prices in border areas skyrocketed, making basic goods unaffordable for those already living on the edge.
But amid this crisis, there has been a glimmer of hope. A jirga—a gathering of tribal elders and traders from both Pakistan and Afghanistan—has taken up the mantle of peacebuilding and negotiation. It is their collective efforts, born out of necessity, that are driving the push to reopen the Torkham border. With representatives from both sides engaged in talks, the hope is that a resolution is within reach, one that will prevent further loss of life, livelihood, and opportunity. The meeting, which includes both Afghan tribal leaders and Pakistani traders, aims to restore the vital trade route and, in doing so, restore normalcy to the lives of those who depend on it.
The current situation also highlights the deeper geopolitical tensions between the two nations, particularly around the issue of the Pak-Afghan Border and border posts erected by the Afghan Interim Government. While the Afghan Interim Government asserts that their actions fall within Afghan territory, Pakistan views this as a breach of agreed-upon borders, leading to the violent clashes that sparked the closure. The complexities of this dispute cannot be solved overnight, but it is clear that dialogue, both at the political and grassroots level, will be crucial in preventing further disruptions.
In the immediate aftermath of the border’s reopening, the task at hand is to rebuild what was lost. Businesses will need to recover, students must be allowed to resume their studies, and communities must be supported through these difficult times. The economic losses are substantial, but perhaps the more pressing concern is the human cost—the livelihoods of traders, the educational futures of students, and the daily lives of countless families that have been disrupted.
Looking ahead, it is essential that both Pakistan and Afghanistan invest in ensuring that such closures never occur again. Diplomacy, negotiation, and mutual respect for sovereignty are the only pathways to long-term peace and prosperity for both nations. As the Torkham border reopens, it is not just goods that will flow through it, but also the hope that such tragedies between Pakistan and Afghanistan can be avoided in the future.
The Torkham border’s reopening is undoubtedly a welcome development, but the scars of the last few weeks will take time to heal. In the spirit of cooperation, let us remember that every closed border, whether physical or metaphorical, bears a cost far beyond the exchange of goods—it affects people, their hopes, and their futures. And as we move forward, it is imperative that both sides work diligently to ensure that the borders that connect us are never again allowed to divide us.
While the closure of the Torkham border primarily affected trade and education, it has also led to a broader array of socio-economic and humanitarian challenges that have compounded the hardship for both Pakistan and Afghanistan. These consequences underscore the complex interdependence between the two nations and highlight how border disruptions can reverberate across various sectors. Below are some other notable issues caused by the prolonged closure of the Torkham border:
Humanitarian Crisis and Medical Access
One of the lesser-discussed but profoundly impactful consequences of the Torkham closure has been the disruption of medical supplies and patient movement between the two countries. Pakistan exports a significant quantity of medical supplies, including life-saving medicines, to Afghanistan. The halt in trade has left hospitals and clinics in Afghanistan struggling to meet the healthcare needs of an already vulnerable population. Additionally, patients in critical need of specialized treatments available only in one country or the other have been unable to travel, exacerbating an already overstretched healthcare system.
Increased Smuggling and Unregulated Trade
As legal trade has come to a standstill, smuggling activities across the border have flourished. Traders and individuals desperate to continue business operations have resorted to illegal routes, bypassing customs checks and regulations. This not only undermines government control over cross-border trade but also poses a security threat, as the smuggling of illicit goods—such as weapons, drugs, and other contraband—becomes more prevalent. The lack of regulation during such times makes it more difficult for both countries to track and control these illegal activities, leading to long-term security challenges.
Impact on Migrant Workers and Seasonal Labor
The closure of the Torkham border has disrupted the flow of seasonal migrant labor that traditionally moves between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Many Afghans work in Pakistan, especially in construction, agriculture, and other manual labor sectors, and vice versa. With the border closed, thousands of workers have been stranded on both sides, unable to reach their place of employment or return home to their families. This has resulted in financial insecurity for migrant workers and their families, leading to increased stress and social strain in border communities.
Strain on Cross-Border Families
The families living on either side of the border, many of whom have relatives in the neighboring country, have also been severely impacted. The closure has prevented people from visiting their loved ones, attending family events, or, in some cases, attending to sick relatives. With cultural and familial ties so deeply intertwined, the inability to cross the border has caused emotional distress and severed crucial support systems for families that are already living in challenging conditions.
Border Security and Refugee Concerns
A significant concern during the border closure has been the potential for rising refugee movements. Afghanistan, with its ongoing internal instability, has a significant refugee population that relies on cross-border movement to find safety in Pakistan. As the border remained closed, thousands of Afghan refugees were left stranded in no-man’s-land, unsure of where to seek refuge or protection. The security measures taken to prevent illegal crossings have also led to further tensions between the two countries, raising the risk of conflict and potentially escalating the already sensitive refugee situation.
Decline in Tourism and Cultural Exchange
The Torkham border also serves as a key entry point for people-to-people connections, including tourism, business travel, and cultural exchanges. With the closure, the tourism industry, which relies on both Afghan and Pakistani travelers visiting each other’s countries, has faced a sharp decline. This has impacted local businesses in the border regions, including hotels, restaurants, and markets that thrive on cross-border visitors. The suspension of cultural exchange programs and travel has weakened the social and cultural fabric that historically binds the two nations together.
Environmental and Agricultural Setbacks
The border closure has also had a negative effect on the agricultural sector, particularly on the import and export of fresh produce. Afghanistan is a major exporter of fruits and vegetables, while Pakistan sends agricultural machinery and fertilizers across the border to support Afghan farmers. With trade suspended, the agricultural cycles of both countries have been delayed or disrupted, leading to food shortages and a rise in prices, further straining already fragile food security in the region.
Also See: Torkham Clashes and the AIG’s Path to Responsibility
Increased Political Tensions and Trust Deficit
The extended closure of the Torkham border has only served to exacerbate political tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The underlying issues related to the Pak-Afghan Border, border posts, and national security concerns have been brought to the forefront. While diplomatic discussions have taken place, the prolonged closure has deepened mistrust between the two governments and their people. This lack of trust not only makes future negotiations more difficult but also contributes to the perception that border disputes are becoming less about practical concerns and more about national pride and territorial assertions.
