Pakistan Shuts Torkham Border With Afghanistan Amid Escalating Cross-Border Tensions

Pakistan has closed the Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan to all commercial and pedestrian traffic following a surge in cross-border violence, halting a key trade and transit route between the two countries. Authorities suspended all vehicular and foot movement at Torkham after an exchange of fire and heightened tensions along the border, according to officials familiar with the matter. Freight vehicles have been redirected to Landi Kotal, a nearby town, as a precaution. The closure is expected to disrupt trade and cause significant inconvenience for travelers and businesses on both sides of the border. Authorities said the decision to halt all activities at the crossing was taken in light of the current security situation. The latest escalation follows deadly clashes over the weekend, in which at least 23 Pakistani security personnel were killed and more than 200 Taliban and affiliated militants died in retaliatory operations, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing. Tensions at the Torkham crossing are not new. In February, border movement was suspended after disputes between Pakistani and Afghan security forces over construction activities. The situation deteriorated further in March, when cross-border exchanges of fire left eight people, including six soldiers, injured. Artillery fire during those clashes damaged several homes, a mosque, and offices of clearing agents, with hostilities continuing for three days.