Torkham border closure enters fifth day, disrupting trade and travel

The Torkham border crossing in Nangarhar province, east of Afghanistan.

KABUL, Afghanistan — The Torkham border crossing, a key trade and transit route between Afghanistan and Pakistan, has remained closed for five consecutive days, stranding travelers and disrupting trade between the two countries.

The closure comes amid tensions over the construction of security posts by Taliban forces near the border, which Pakistan considers a violation of border agreements. In response, Pakistani border authorities shut down the crossing, halting all movement.

“Whenever the Afghan side builds security posts on its own soil, Pakistan closes the border without prior notice, creating difficulties for the people,” said Abdul…