A jirga between elders from Pakistan and Afghanistan has achieved a temporary ceasefire at the Torkham border crossing, following a meeting on Sunday. 

The ceasefire, agreed upon by representatives from both countries, will remain in effect until March 11.

The Jirga, comprised of over 30 Afghan and over 20 Pakistani members including tribal elders, religious scholars, and traders, convened at the Torkham terminal on Sunday. Their discussions centred on resolving the dispute stemming from the construction of Afghan military installations near the border, which began on February 21 and led to the closure of the Torkham crossing.

According to Jirga sources, members from both sides will inspect the Afghan constructions that led to hostilities by March 11. If these constructions are found to encroach on Pakistani territory, their demolition will be demanded. The reopening of the Torkham border crossing is contingent upon a resolution of this issue.

Hostilities began on February 21 when Pakistani forces asked the Afghan side to stop construction of a check post in the Zero Point area of the border. In response, Afghan security forces took up positions prompting Pakistan to close the border and evacuate its staff to Landi Kotal. The days after the closure had seen intense exchanges of fire between the border forces.

The Torkham border is one of eight crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan and is used by thousands of cargo vehicles and pedestrians each day. A resolution submitted in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday by Ahmad Kundi said that the 16-day closure of the border has led to massive losses and the government should intervene to solve the problem immediately.