The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the Taliban's self-designation for the country) and Pakistan have agreed to a two-day ceasefire on both sides of the Torkham crossing after weeks of fighting, Ariana News reported.

The Torkham border crossing was closed by Pakistan last month after a dispute over the construction of a new checkpoint. However, the border will remain closed until the next round of talks.

There have been intense exchanges of fire between the Taliban* and Pakistani border guards over the past two weeks, leaving at least one person dead. Hundreds of people have also been stuck at the border, while traders have suffered millions in losses as trucks have been unable to pass into both countries.

A senior Pakistani official told Anadolu news agency that the agreement was reached at a tribal meeting. The jirga was attended by tribal leaders from both countries. Afghanistan was represented by a delegation of 35 tribal elders. Anadolu reported that both sides also agreed to halt “all types” of construction on both sides of the border until the next round of talks, scheduled for March 12.

The official said the border would likely be reopened after the second round of talks.

Torkham is one of 18 crossings between the two countries and one of the busiest among them. About 10,000 people, mostly Afghans, use it daily to receive medical care and earn a living in the border areas of Pakistan.