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\u2022 Crossing opened for trucks, critical patients; pedestrian crossings to resume this week
\u2022 Pakistan, Afghan jirga members stress need to keep crossing open permanently
\u2022 Local traders believe Pakistan lost $40.5m in possible profits due to extended closure<\/p>\n
KHYBER: After ten days of hectic shuttle diplomacy spearheaded by tribal elders<\/a> from both sides, the Torkham border reopened on Wednesday for trade and medical emergencies following an almost month-long closure<\/a> due to a border dispute between Islamabad and Kabul.<\/p>\n The delegates from both sides met at zero point in the afternoon for a brief reopening ceremony, lasting about half an hour.<\/p>\n The meeting was followed by the stranded vehicles crossing over to both sides of the border.<\/p>\n Ambulances were also parked close to the crossing at the time of the opening ceremony in order to shift the seriously ill Afghan patients to Pakistan, while traffic police hastened to regulate the heavy traffic as frustrated transporters tried to overtake each other in their bids to cross the border before sunset.<\/p>\n