A second jirga meeting is scheduled for today to address the ongoing tensions at the Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The meeting was held at 1:30 PM on the Afghan side of the border, will bring together Pakistani and Afghan representatives.

Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi, head of the Pakistani delegation, stated that a 30-member Pakistani jirga will participate in the talks. Kazmi emphasized that the reopening of the Torkham border crossing is contingent upon the Afghan forces ceasing construction of the disputed structures.

He asserted that if Afghan authorities dismantle these controversial structures, the tension will ease.  He further confirmed that a ceasefire will remain in effect during the jirga negotiations.

Haji Gul Murad, head of the Afghan jirga, confirmed that the Afghan delegation, after completing consultations with Afghan officials, will arrive at Torkham at the scheduled time. Murad expressed optimism, stating that today’s meeting is crucial and that the Afghan government also supports resolving the tensions.

The Torkham border crossing remains closed for the 19th consecutive day due to the dispute over the construction, causing billions of rupees in losses for both countries, according to customs sources. 

The issue began when Pakistan stopped Afghan officials from building a checkpost in the zero point area of the border. When stopped, Afghan officials took up positions, raising tensions. In response, Pakistan closed the border and evacuated its staff to Landi Kotal.