Security forces from both sides have been injured in incidents of escalating tensions and firing on the Torkham border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. A civilian, who was a truck driver, has also died. Despite efforts to restore peace on the border, the matter has not been resolved.
Tension is increasing between Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Torkham border. There has been a clash again between the security forces of both the countries on the border on Sunday. It is being claimed that the Afghan forces started firing using heavy weapons, which was responded by Pakistan. Since then, there has been continuous firing from both sides. Security forces from both sides have been injured and one civilian has died. Officials of both the countries sat on Sunday to open the border and restore peace but this meeting failed to find any solution to the matter.
Pakistani border forces retaliated and attacked Afghan posts. Three security personnel and a civilian were slightly injured in this. Security sources in Khyber district said that at least three Pakistani soldiers were injured in firing by Afghan Taliban forces in Torkham on Monday morning. A civilian truck driver was killed on the Pakistani side of the border. The truck driver was running away after the firing started, during which the truck driver died. The Afghan government has not yet issued any statement.
Talks between the two countries fail
The Torkham border has been closed for the past 10 days. This has halted trade. Firing is also taking place from both sides. After attempts to reopen the border failed on Sunday, both sides opened fire. The border was closed on February 21 after tensions arose due to new constructions on both sides near the border. In such a situation, on one hand the local people are facing loss of business and on the other hand their concern about security has also increased.
The Torkham border along the historic Grand Trunk Road is one of the most important trade routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Every day hundreds of trucks laden with fruits and vegetables come to Pakistan through this route. On the other hand, medicines, chemical fertilizers and goods go from Pakistan to Afghanistan. Despite this importance, this border has been closed repeatedly due to tension. In recent times, the effect of tension between the Pakistani and Afghan governments is being seen here as well.