KHYBER: Bilateral trade activities and pedestrian movement between Pakistan and Afghanistan via Torkham crossing remained suspended for the second consecutive day.
The Torkham border has been closed for all types of traffic since yesterday over disputed construction activities near the zero point on the Afghanistan side.
Sources reported that Afghan forces insisted on building a checkpost in the contested area, prompting strong objections from Pakistani authorities, who demanded an immediate halt to the construction. In response, Afghan forces heightened their alertness, leading to the closure of the Torkham border for commercial activities.
According to sources, the situation escalated when Pakistani authorities turned off the lights on their side of the border after Afghan forces took defensive positions. Security officials revealed that additional staff from Pakistan Customs and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) were relocated from the border gate to Landi Kotal as a precautionary measure amid fears of a potential clash.
The closure has disrupted transportation on both sides of the border, leaving hundreds of trucks and heavy vehicles stranded in long queues. Drivers and passengers are facing significant difficulties due to the standstill. The emergency situation has prompted business and transport communities to urgently call on both governments to reopen the border and resolve the issue through dialogue.
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This incident is not the first time Afghan forces have attempted to assert control over disputed areas along the Durand Line. In recent years, several border clashes have occurred, straining relations between the two neighboring countries.
The latest development comes at a critical time, as Pakistan had planned to send delegations to Afghanistan to discuss improving bilateral relations and enhancing cross-border trade. The closure of Torkham Gate underscores the ongoing tensions and highlights the need for diplomatic efforts to address long-standing border disputes.
