Tensions rise at Afghanistan-Pakistan border over alleged attacks

Last week, Pakistan shut down the Torkham crossing, alleging that Afghanistan had erected unauthorized structures along the boundary

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – The longstanding border dispute between Afghanistan and Pakistan intensified recently at the Torkham Border Crossing.

Both nations have accused each other of unprovoked attacks on their respective border patrols.

Last week, Pakistan shut down the Torkham crossing, alleging that Afghanistan had erected unauthorized structures along the boundary.

However, Afghan authorities countered this, stating that the shutdown followed an attack by Pakistani forces which resulted in the death of a Taliban border guard and a civilian.

The Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the closure, emphasizing its negative impact on trade, and civilians traveling for familial reasons.

They mentioned that the attack occurred while Afghan security forces were working on an old security post set up years earlier.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry responded by asserting their stance against any constructions by Afghanistan on Pakistani territory, emphasizing such actions as a violation of their sovereignty.

The spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan should symbolize harmony and peace.

Significantly, the Torkham Border Crossing, being a major junction between the two countries, has seen temporary closures in the past, like in 2021, when the Taliban took over parts of the border.

This recent clash came shortly after an alleged incursion by militants from Afghanistan into Pakistan.

They supposedly attacked two Pakistani outposts before retreating back into Afghanistan.

Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has admitted to orchestrating the attacks, but Afghanistan has refuted claims that they originated from its soil.