Pakistani officials at the Torkham border have announced that the crossing will remain closed to travellers and patients on Friday due to ongoing repairs at the immigration office.

In a statement, the Torkham border administration advised travellers and patients to avoid the crossing until normal operations resume. Officials did not clarify the nature of the repairs, but security sources claim that Taliban border forces damaged Pakistan’s immigration systems during recent tensions.

According to the sources, the technical issues are expected to be resolved by the end of the day. The crossing is scheduled to reopen for passengers on Saturday.

The Torkham border was partially reopened on Wednesday after being closed for 27 days. At that time, only cargo trucks and patients were allowed to cross.

The border was originally shut on 21 February following a clash between Pakistani border forces and the Taliban. The dispute arose over the construction of a Taliban checkpoint and the installation of a Pakistani signboard at the zero-point. Two jirga meetings were held between Afghan and Pakistani representatives in efforts to reopen the crossing.