The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened for pedestrian traffic after a four-hour closure following a clash between Frontier Corps (FC) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), as reported by security sources on Sunday.
Initially shuttered due to a dispute over immigration affairs at the NADRA point, the closure stranded travelers en route to Afghanistan. However, operations resumed after a brief suspension, restoring passage.
Government sources attributed the clash to a disagreement over crowd management, with senior officials from both agencies swiftly resolving the issue. They underscored the imperative of adhering to legal requirements to mitigate potential security threats arising from overcrowding.
Hospital sources confirmed five injuries resulting from the altercation, with the injured individuals receiving treatment at Landi Kotal Hospital, where their conditions were described as stable.
The FIA accused FC personnel of unwarranted intervention in immigration matters, sparking the confrontation. FC sources countered, asserting their authority over border security and emphasizing their responsibility to monitor passengers for security purposes.
The Torkham border is a critical artery between Peshawar and Jalalabad, linking Northwestern Pakistan to Nangarhar province and Kabul. This makes it a vital conduit for travelers and goods traversing between the two nations.
Efforts to ensure smooth transit and cooperation between agencies are crucial to maintaining the flow of commerce and facilitating safe passage for travelers along this key international route.
