TORKHAM: The Torkham border remained closed for trade activities and pedestrian movement for the 10th consecutive day on Monday as an exchange of fire was reported between Pakistan and Afghan forces following the failure of talks.
One local civilian was injured in the incident, sources said. A truck driver suffered a heart attack and could not be revived during the ensuing chaos.
In light of the escalating tensions, the Torkham transit terminal has been cleared of cargo vehicles. Security officials stated that border security measures have been further tightened to maintain control over the situation.
The Torkham crossing point, a crucial land trade route between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has faced repeated closures in recent years due to border tensions, skirmishes, and armed conflicts.
Pakistan aimed to install a signboard at the Pakistan Gate while the Afghan side retaliated by proceeding with the security post’s construction. The conflict escalated when Afghan forces attempted to build a checkpoint in a disputed area, prompting Pakistani authorities to halt the work.
The incident heightened the tension between the security forces of both countries, resulting in the suspension of trade activities.
The closure of the border has left hundreds of travellers in distress while the halt in imports and exports has inflicted heavy financial damage on the business community.
In August, the Torkham border was closed for three days after the Afghan Taliban stated they were looking into claims of Pakistani fighter jets allegedly breaching Afghan airspace over Nangarhar and Kunar provinces.
Tensions flared once more in December, following reports of Pakistani airstrikes aimed at suspected militant camps in Afghanistan. Afghan officials indicated that these strikes led to civilian casualties, further straining relations between the two countries.
