Pakistan Closes Torkham Border Crossing Amid Tensions

On Saturday, Pakistan announced the closure of the Torkham border crossing, a crucial transit point between Pakistan and Afghanistan, effectively halting all movement, Amu TV reported.

Taliban officials confirmed the closure, with Tayeb Hamad, a spokesman for the Taliban’s police command in Nangarhar, stating that no explanation had been provided by Pakistani authorities. He advised travelers to avoid the route until further notice.

The Torkham crossing is vital for both travelers and commercial trade, and its shutdown raises concerns about potential disruptions in the movement of goods and people, exacerbating existing tensions between the two nations. This closure follows recent clashes between Pakistani border forces and Taliban fighters over the construction of security posts along the border, a recurring issue since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. As of now, Pakistani officials have remained silent on the reasons behind the closure.