Torkham

Torkham is a border town and one of Pakistan’s busiest border crossings with Afghanistan. It is located on the eastern edge of the Khyber Pass in what is now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, near the border with Afghanistan. The Pakistani side hosts customs and immigration facilities and the crossing connects with Afghanistan’s Nangarhar Province, facilitating trade and travel across the Durand Line.

Historically, the Torkham crossing has long served as a key conduit along the Khyber Pass, linking South Asia with Central Asia. In modern times it has been affected by regional conflicts and security operations, with periods of border closures or tightened controls as Pakistan and Afghanistan address insurgency, security concerns, and diplomatic arrangements.

Economically, Torkham handles a significant share of cross-border traffic between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The crossing involves movement of goods and passengers, with procedures for cargo clearance, visas, and security checks administered by respective authorities on each side. It functions as part of a network of routes that support trade and supply chains in the region.

Administration and security are coordinated across both sides of the border. In Pakistan, the crossing is managed by federal revenue and border security agencies, while Afghan authorities oversee procedures on the opposite side. The site remains a focal point in discussions of border management, security, and regional trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Torkham continues to be important for regional connectivity, reflecting broader dynamics of Pakistan–Afghanistan relations, trade, and security in the border region.