At least one person has been killed, and several others injured in a violent exchange of gunfire between Afghan and Pakistani security forces at the Torkham border crossing, a vital transit point. Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior confirmed the death of one Afghan security officer, with two others injured during overnight clashes on the first working day of Ramadan.
The clashes occurred after Pakistan closed the Torkham crossing last month, citing a dispute over Afghanistan’s construction of a new border post. Pakistani officials confirmed casualties among their ranks as well, although the exact number of injured personnel was not disclosed.
The fighting has disrupted the flow of goods, stranding approximately 5,000 trucks carrying essential supplies at the border, including crucial food imports, as both countries mark Ramadan. The border closure adds further strain to Afghanistan’s already fragile economy, with millions at risk of hunger and widespread need for humanitarian aid.
Tensions between the two nations have escalated in recent months, with Pakistan accusing Afghan forces of harboring militants, which the Taliban government denies. The closure of the border crossing has already resulted in significant financial losses, with Pakistan’s Khyber district facing a $15 million loss and Afghan traders losing up to $500,000 daily.
Trade between the two countries totaled over $1.6 billion in 2024, and ongoing border tensions are expected to worsen economic challenges on both sides.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/3/pakistani-and-afghan-forces-clash-at-vital-border-crossing