Hundreds of Khyber residents staged a protest in Landi Kotal on Sunday, calling for the Torkham border reopening amid severe economic fallout from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border closure, which has been in effect since October 12, 2025.
The Torkham border protest highlights broader trade disruptions in South Asia. With billions in bilateral commerce stalled, the closure affects supply chains in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and neighbouring states, exacerbating poverty and straining regional relations.
Torkham Border Protest Unfolds in Landi Kotal
Residents from various walks of life gathered in Landi Kotal on January 4, 2026, to press for the reopening of the Torkham border. The event, organized by the All Borders Coordinators Council, drew together traders, transporters, tribal elders, daily wage earners, political activists, and members of civil society. The demonstration lasted about two hours, with participants voicing frustration over the prolonged closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Speakers at the Torkham border protest included Malak Roohullah Wazir, Malak Masal Khan, Shah Hussain, Zarbullah Khan, Maulana Shoaib, Murad Hussain, Mujeebullah Shinwari, Qari Nazeemullah, Shah Khalid, and Mirajuddin Khan. They urged both governments to separate trade from matters of politics and security. “Ask both countries to detach bilateral trade from political and security issues,” the speakers stated collectively.
The Khyber residents’ protest focused on the human cost. Attendees described the shutdown as “economic murder” for thousands dependent on cross-border activities. Torkham, once a bustling hub linking to Central Asia, now resembles a ghost town with all commerce halted.
Organisers had campaigned for two weeks, but turnout fell short of expectations. The Landi Kotal Bazaar stayed open during the event. Notably, representatives from the Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industries did not attend, despite prior talks of a potential breakthrough in early January.
Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Closure: Causes and Timeline
The Pakistan-Afghanistan border closure began on October 12, 2025, following heavy clashes along the frontier. Pakistani officials cited cross-border attacks and terrorism originating from Afghanistan as the primary reason. In a weekly press briefing on December 5, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson addressed the issue, emphasising Pakistan’s resolve against such threats.
Afghan authorities claimed Pakistani forces initiated the aggression, leading to casualties on both sides. A cease-fire was announced on October 15, 2025, but border crossings remained shut. Temporary reopenings occurred, such as on November 1, 2025, for the return of Afghan refugees via Torkham, but full trade resumption stalled.
The closure has persisted for nearly three months, affecting key routes, including Torkham. Pakistani statements in October 2025 highlighted the need for guarantees from Kabul to prevent the misuse of Afghan soil for attacks. Efforts to resolve included diplomatic talks, but no firm reopening date emerged until recent trader initiatives.
Khyber Residents Protest Highlights Economic Toll
The Khyber residents’ protest underscored the dire consequences of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border closure. Speakers noted thousands lost jobs, with families facing extreme poverty. “Hundreds of families were now faced with extreme poverty and serious economic problems… many of them now compelled to take loans for their survival,” protesters said.
Trade volumes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, valued at over USD 2 billion annually before the closure, plummeted. Exporters of fruits, vegetables, and textiles from Afghanistan suffered, while Pakistani importers faced shortages. Daily wage earners at Torkham, who handle cargo and passengers, saw their earnings vanish.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the shutdown rippled through local economies. Tribal areas, which rely on border trade, reported an increase in unemployment. The Torkham border protest called for including tribal elders and trade representatives in future dialogues, citing their past role in resolving disputes.
Demands extended to easing travel for ordinary citizens and fostering mutual respect. Protesters have resolved to launch nationwide campaigns if the reopening of the Torkham border does not occur soon.
Torkham Border Reopening Efforts Gain Momentum
Recent developments offer hope for reopening the Torkham border. On January 4, 2026, business leaders from both sides held an online meeting, agreeing to form a 12-member joint committee. Led by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Atif Ikram Sheikh and Afghanistan Chamber Acting Head Sayed Karim Hashemi, the group includes six representatives each.
The committee aims to assess the feasibility of reopening and reduce barriers. Traders expressed optimism that this could resume goods movement in an orderly manner.
Background
Torkham has long served as a vital artery for Pak-Afghan trade. Launched in the 1950s, the crossing facilitates transit to Central Asia. Past closures, often tied to security, have recurred, but the current one ranks among the longest. Bilateral ties have been strained since the Taliban takeover in 2021, with accusations of harbouring militants.
Pakistan invested PKR 5 billion in Torkham infrastructure upgrades in 2024, including the installation of scanners and terminals. Yet, unresolved issues, such as visa policies and tariffs, persist.
What’s Next
The joint committee is scheduled to meet on January 6, 2026, at Torkham to discuss reopening. If successful, it could lead to phased resumption. Governments may engage further, potentially involving elders as demanded by the Khyber residents in their protest.
Diplomatic channels remain open, with potential talks scheduled for Doha or Islamabad. Monitoring tensions will be key to sustaining any progress.
In conclusion, swift action on reopening the Torkham border is crucial to alleviate the hardships caused by the Pakistan-Afghanistan border closure and restore regional stability.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 5th, 2026
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