Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL: The Torkham border has been closed for all kinds of movement after tension escalated between Pakistani and Afghan forces over the construction of a bunker by Afghan forces near Zero Point.
According to security sources, Afghan forces attempted to build a bunker in a disputed area near the border, prompting Pakistan’s Frontier Corps (FC) to respond. Both sides have reinforced their positions and Pakistani authorities have relocated customs, immigration and police officials from Torkham Bazaar to Landikotal as a precautionary measure. Both sides have taken defensive positions, heightening fears of armed clash.
The border closure has caused major disruptions in trade and travel. Hundreds of trucks carrying essential goods, including food and other supplies, remain stranded on both sides, leading to heavy financial losses for traders and transporters. The Torkham crossing, a vital trade route, frequently faces such disruptions, severely impacting economic activities in both countries.
In addition to trade losses, the border closure has left thousands of travellers stranded, many of whom rely on the crossing for medical treatment, and business and family visits in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The recurring tension at the Torkham border crossing underscores the fragile relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Experts stressed the need for immediate diplomatic talks to de-escalate the situation and establish a peaceful mechanism for resolving border disputes.
It may be added here that daily around ten thousand passengers cross the Torkham border every month while around eight hundred cargo trucks cross the Torkham border every day.
Meanwhile, both sides at the border authorities have vacated the areas near the border and asked the truckers to leave the Torkham to avoid as a precautionary measure.
