By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi
TORKHAM: Local tribal elders and customs clearing agents played a pivotal role in defusing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, leading to the reopening of the Torkham border after successful negotiations. Under the leadership of Tehsil Chairman Shah Khalid Shinwari, a traditional jirga was convened, engaging in two rounds of discussions with Afghan tribal leaders and business representatives to de-escalate hostilities and broker a ceasefire.
The jirga acted as a crucial bridge between Pakistani and Afghan officials, ensuring that recent tensions over border construction did not escalate into a prolonged diplomatic rift. Chairman Shinwari and local traders expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue to address border disputes peacefully rather than through confrontation. The closure of the Torkham border on February 21 had inflicted severe hardships on local communities and disrupted cross-border trade. Its reopening following successful talks has brought much-needed relief, renewing hopes for sustained peace and economic cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
