Tribal elders from Afghanistan and Pakistan have brokered a temporary ceasefire at the Torkham border, one of the most critical crossing points between the two nations, in an effort to de-escalate mounting tensions.

The agreement, which was reached during the first round of a tribal jirga on Sunday, will hold until March 11, authorities confirmed.

The jirga, a traditional assembly of tribal leaders, brought together 35 representatives from Afghanistan and 40 from Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which shares a border with Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province. Both sides agreed to refrain from constructing new military installations along the border during the ceasefire period, signaling a mutual commitment to reducing hostilities.

A reliable source revealed that the jirga participants, which included tribal elders and Pakistani officials, also decided to establish a joint assessment team. Scheduled to convene on March 11, the team will investigate disputed construction activities near the border, particularly claims by Pakistan that Afghan forces have built checkpoints inside Pakistani territory. Afghanistan has denied these allegations, asserting that it is only constructing a post on its own soil. The findings of the assessment team will determine the next steps in resolving the dispute.

Local sources emphasized that the reopening of the Torkham crossing, which has been closed for 16 days due to the escalating tensions, hinges on a resolution to the border dispute. Once resolved, the reopening is expected to restore vital trade and travel links between Afghanistan and Pakistan, providing relief to communities and businesses on both sides of the border.

The ceasefire and jirga negotiations mark a significant step toward easing tensions in a region long plagued by border disputes, with both sides expressing cautious optimism for a peaceful resolution. (ILKHA)