No progress in talks on the Torkham matter

 The Torkham border crossing, a critical transit point between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has long been the subject of contention and controversy. Despite numerous attempts at dialogue and negotiations, little progress has been made in resolving the issues surrounding this vital border crossing. This article delves into the ongoing challenges and complexities surrounding the Torkham issue and sheds light on the factors contributing to the lack of progress in the talks.

Historical background

Located in the Khyber Pass region, the Torkham border has been a historic trade route and has seen the flow of goods, people and cultures between Afghanistan and Pakistan over the years. However, its importance has increased manifold in recent years as a result of geopolitical developments, making it a strategic and contested point of interest.

Key issues

Visa and Documentation: One of the main issues regarding the Torkham border is the visa and documentation requirements. Both Afghanistan and Pakistan have strict visa policies, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to cross the border legally. This led to a thriving black market in forged documents and a constant flow of illegal border crossings.

Security Concerns: The border region is plagued by security concerns, with various militant groups and criminal elements using the porous border to facilitate illegal activities. This caused both countries to fear opening their borders without adequate security measures.

Customs and trade: Torkham crossing is crucial for trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, disputes over tariffs and trade regulations hinder the smooth flow of goods, leading to delays, increased costs and economic losses for both countries.

Geopolitical factors: The Torkham issue is also complicated by wider geopolitical factors. Afghanistan's relations with neighboring countries, especially Pakistan, are strained due to various political and security issues. This tension often spills over into negotiations over the Torkham border.

Unsuccessful resolution attempts

Efforts to resolve the Torkham issue have been made at various levels, including bilateral talks, trilateral discussions involving the United States, and multilateral commitments. However, none of these attempts yielded significant results.

Bilateral negotiations: Afghanistan and Pakistan have engaged in a series of bilateral negotiations, but these have often been characterized by mutual distrust and a lack of consensus on key issues such as visa regulations and security measures.

Trilateral initiatives: The United States played a role in trying to mediate the Torkham affair, given its interests in stabilizing the region. However, his efforts were limited by his own evolving priorities and changing dynamics in the region.

Multilateral Forums: Various regional organizations such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) have discussed the Torkham issue, but these forums have been difficult to enforce due to wider regional conflicts.

The way forward

Resolving the Torkham issue is crucial to promoting regional stability, trade and people-to-people contacts. The following steps should be considered to make progress in interviews:

Comprehensive dialogue: Both Afghanistan and Pakistan must engage in a comprehensive dialogue that addresses not only border issues but also broader security and economic issues.

Security cooperation: Strengthening security cooperation along borders is essential to combating illegal activities and building mutual trust.

Trade facilitation: Streamlining customs procedures and trade regulations will promote legal trade and reduce the economic burden on both countries.

International mediation: The involvement of neutral international mediators or organizations could help build trust and facilitate a solution.

The Torkham question remains a contentious and complex issue that has defied resolution for years. While there have been numerous attempts at talks and negotiations, progress has been slow, hampered by a combination of historical grievances, security concerns and geopolitical dynamics. However, finding a solution is essential for the stability and prosperity of the region, and both Afghanistan and Pakistan must continue to work towards a mutually beneficial solution.