TORKHAM BORDER: Intense clashes between Pakistani and Afghan security forces erupted overnight at the Torkham border crossing, forcing around 15,000 residents to flee their homes in fear. While hostilities subsided by Tuesday morning, tensions between the two neighboring nations remain high, according to a Reuters report.
Clashes Erupt Amid Trade Disruptions
The confrontation broke out on Monday, coinciding with the first working day of Ramadan—a crucial period for food imports from Pakistan into Afghanistan. Pakistani officials claimed that Afghan border guards fired without warning, targeting government buildings and civilians, triggering widespread panic.
“The ongoing tensions and the border closure have caused immense hardship. People here are very poor and depend on cross-border trade for survival,” said Ali Shinwari, a resident of the border town, as quoted by Reuters.
Thousands of displaced families have sought shelter with relatives and tribal communities in nearby towns.
Border Closure Worsens Economic Crisis
The Torkham crossing, a vital trade and transit route, has been shut since February 21 due to a dispute over an outpost built by Afghan forces. The prolonged closure has left 5,000 trucks loaded with essential goods stranded, resulting in $15 million in losses, according to Yousaf Afridi, president of the Khyber district chamber of commerce and industries.
Casualties and Unresolved Tensions
The Afghan interior ministry confirmed that one Taliban fighter was killed, and two others were wounded in the clash. Pakistani security sources also reported casualties on their side, but official figures have not been disclosed.
As of now, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued a formal statement regarding the incident. The border remains closed, further straining already fragile diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.
