On the Pakistani side, four Frontier Corps (FC) personnel sustained injuries, while a civilian was also wounded. Additionally, one civilian lost his life in the ensuing stampede triggered by heavy gunfire. Nearby villages were evacuated due to security concerns, sources revealed.
The Torkham border, which has been shut since February 21, saw tensions escalate after both sides failed to reach an agreement on reopening the crossing. Reports indicated that gunfire continued well into the early morning hours, lasting beyond Sehri time. While Pakistani authorities have not issued an official statement, the Afghan Taliban confirmed the confrontation.
Afghanistan’s interior ministry acknowledged the border clash, confirming the death of one Taliban fighter and injuries to two others. Pakistani security sources reported at least three of their personnel wounded in the exchange.
Border Tensions and Retaliatory Strikes
Strained relations between the two neighbors have intensified, with Pakistan accusing Afghanistan of harboring militants responsible for attacks inside its territory—an allegation the Taliban refute. Tensions escalated further in December when Pakistani airstrikes targeted Afghan locations, resulting in multiple casualties.
The latest skirmish reportedly began around midnight and continued sporadically until 6 a.m. During the exchange, a Pakistani mortar post was damaged, prompting Pakistan to retaliate by targeting Afghan positions, including Jungle Post and Khwar Post.
Amid the chaos, a truck driver reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack, adding to the casualties. In response to the hostilities, Pakistan deployed additional forces along the border to reinforce security.
Civilian Displacement and Economic Disruptions
Following the clashes, residents of Bacha Mena, a village near the border, were evacuated to Landi Kotal for safety. Bacha Mena, home to the Shinwari Khugakhel tribe and some Afghan nationals, was deemed unsafe due to the ongoing hostilities. The injured were transported to the district headquarters hospital in Landi Kotal for treatment.
The escalation came just a day after security officials from both sides had engaged in talks aimed at reopening the crossing, which has remained shut for over ten days. The prolonged closure has severely impacted traders, travelers, and local communities, causing significant economic losses.
Thousands of trucks carrying goods remain stranded at the border, disrupting trade and essential supplies. The standoff reportedly stemmed from Afghan authorities’ attempt to build a checkpoint at a disputed location, triggering Pakistan’s objections and leading to further hostilities.
Since the Taliban’s return to power, border closures have become frequent, compelling Afghan traders to shift their focus toward Central Asia and Iran. Local businesses lament that repeated border shutdowns have severely hampered trade, with an estimated 2,500 trucks currently stuck on the Pakistani side.
Pakistan Pushes for Trade Normalization
A senior Pakistani official held the Afghan administration responsible for the ongoing border disruptions, emphasizing that repeated closures were detrimental to bilateral trade. Despite tensions, Pakistan remains committed to enhancing trade ties, with new trade terminals under construction at Torkham and Chaman to facilitate smoother goods movement.
The official highlighted that the Torkham terminal is expected to be operational by March 25, dismissing claims that Pakistan is obstructing trade. “If Pakistan opposed trade, it wouldn’t be investing in upgrading border facilities,” the official remarked, urging the Afghan government to address Pakistan’s security concerns.
Trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan amounts to approximately $3 million per day, with imports valued at $1.6 million and exports at $1.4 million, excluding transit trade. According to the Afghan Chamber of Commerce, Pakistan has suffered losses exceeding $27 million due to the 10-day closure.
