Afghan-Pakistan Tensions Rise at Key Trade Crossing

INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
close this key passage greatly affected thousands of trucks.The ruling Taliban in Afghanistan reported that this closure was due to
trucks at the border, hindering trade
These trucks, loaded with perishable items like fruits and vegetables, were stranded.The Torkham crossing is essential for trade between the
two nations and with Central Asian countries
This closure thus had significant economic effects on both Afghanistan and Pakistan.Afghan-Pakistan Tensions Rise at Key Trade Crossing
documents.Currently, officials from both nations are discussing solutions to this impasse, with hopes for a resolution soon.The Torkham
border has faced similar shutdowns before, including a nine-day closure in September due to border clashes.This issue occurs amid strained
of launching attacks from Afghan soil.Conversely, the Afghan Taliban government asserts that it does not permit its territory for such
attacks.The Torkham border closure and the resulting disruption of truck movement underscore the intertwined nature of regional politics,
security, and commerce.BackgroundThe Torkham border issue is not isolated; it reflects broader geopolitical tensions in the
region.Historically, Afghanistan and Pakistan have had a complex relationship, often marked by mutual distrust and cross-border
tensions.These tensions are partly rooted in longstanding disputes over the Durand Line, the border drawn by the British in 1893, which
Afghanistan has never formally recognized.The porous nature of this boundary has been a source of contention, particularly with the movement
of militant groups and refugees between the two countries.Moreover, the Torkham border is a strategic gateway for trade and economic
activities in the region.Its closure affects local economies and has wider implications for trade routes connecting South Asia with Central
Asia.Comparatively, other key borders in the region, like the Wagah Border between India and Pakistan, have also witnessed closures due to
political tensions, impacting trade and bilateral relations.