ISLAMABAD: Talks between Islamabad and Kabul aimed to resolve a grave border standoff broke down after the 17-member Afghan delegation walked out, accusing Pakistan of not taking the negotiations seriously, official sources said on Thursday.
The cross-border movement of people via Torkham border crossing, a critical trade and transit point between Pakistan and Afghanistan, was abruptly suspended on Feb 21 after Pakistani and Afghan security forces developed differences over construction activities on both sides of the border. The situation worsened this month when eight people, including six troops, were injured after Pakistan and Afghan Taliban forces traded fire at the border. A number of houses, a mosque and some clearing agents’ offices were hit by artillery, and cross-border firing continued for three days.
To address the issue, both sides had formed their jirgas — traditional assemblies of tribal elders and representatives — which held its first meeting this week in which both sides agreed to a ceasefire. The talks, however, broke down on Wednesday when the Afghan delegation, led by Younus Mohmand, chairman of the Afghan chamber of commerce, walked out.
The Afghan delegation was surprised to find that Pakistan had expanded its delegation list without prior consultation. Instead of the agreed 17 members, Pakistan presented a list of 70 individuals, many of whom the Afghan side considered irrelevant to negotiations.
After waiting two hours for a response, the Afghan jirga left for Kabul, expressing frustration with Pakistan’s approach. Mohmand criticised Pakistan’s actions, stating that the addition of unrelated individuals reflected a lack of seriousness in resolving the dispute.
The collapse of talks highlights the fragile state of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, especially over border issues like the Durand Line, which Afghanistan does not officially recognise. Pakistani customs officials at Torkham said the border closure was causing a loss of around $1.5 million daily as exports to Afghanistan have stopped. Additionally, $2 million in revenue has been lost due to suspension of imports from Afghanistan.
