Afghanistan and Pakistan agree to reopen key border crossing

ISTANBUL

Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to reopen a key border crossing after it was closed following a dispute over the construction of a check post, TOLO News reported Monday.

The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment said Afghan and Pakistani traders and tribal elders have reached an agreement to reopen the Torkham crossing.

Another meeting is scheduled to further coordinate and prepare for the reopening.

"A meeting was held today in Torkham between both sides. The decisions made were positive, and it is likely that the crossing will reopen," said a merchant, according to TOLO News.

Jawad Hussain, a Pakistani tribal council member, said both sides agreed to cease hostilities and resume trade and travel at the vital border crossing, according to Geo News.

As part of the agreement, tribal elders on both sides decided to temporarily halt the disputed construction by Afghan forces.

The development comes after Pakistani and Afghan border forces agreed Sunday to a two-day ceasefire at the border crossing after weeks of hostilities following the closure of the border crossing on Feb. 21.

Torkham is one of 18 crossings between the two neighbors, which have been locked in a border dispute for decades, leading to the frequent closure of land connections.