Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged gunfire across the border last night at the Torkham border in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, fanning tensions over a trade row. Officials reported on Monday (March 3) that the firefight killed at least one Afghan security official and injured another. The Torkham border, a vital commerce route, has been shut since late February, further straining economic ties between the two countries.
Dispute Over Border Management Sparks Violence
The recent battle is the result of a long-standing controversy about border control. Pakistan complained about the establishment of a new crossing on the Afghan side, and the crossing was subsequently closed for 11 days. This has stranded thousands of trucks and travelers in harsh winter weather, severely affecting trade and mobility.
Trade Disruptions Cost Afghanistan $500,000 Daily
The economic impact of the closure of the border has been hard on Afghanistan. Shakirullah Safi, head of the Nangarhar Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said Afghan businessmen are losing close to $500,000 a day.
“When this gate is open, 600 to 700 vehicles move between us and Pakistan with exports and imports,” Safi said. “Now, 5,000 containers are stuck on both sides, suspending trade.”
Thousands of Afghans dependent on the crossing for medical care and work in Pakistan have also been impacted by the blockade.
Pakistan, Taliban Trade Blame
Pakistan alleged that Taliban troops opened unprovoked fire on its border outpost with automatic weapons, and Pakistani troops retaliated with fire. But Afghan officials dismissed the allegation. Interior Ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani accused Pakistan of starting the violence and said Afghan border police tried to settle the issue diplomatically before firing in defense.
He also claimed that Pakistani personnel were killed but did not provide specific numbers.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Confronts Growing Security Challenges
The tensions along the border are taking place against the backdrop of growing security challenges in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which has a leaky border with Afghanistan. The province has witnessed a spate of attacks by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), or the Pakistan Taliban. The group seeks to topple Pakistan’s government and create an Islamic emirate.
Pakistan initially backed the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021 in the hope that it would stem TTP’s influence. The plan has, however, failed, with TTP attacks on Pakistani troops tripling since 2021, the Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor reports.
Islamabad has called upon the Taliban to act against TTP, but Afghan leaders have had little desire to do so. Instead, once they captured Kabul, the Taliban freed hundreds of TTP militants from Afghan jails, further fortifying the organization.
Uncertain Future for Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations
The persistent border controversy and security issues continue to strain Pakistan-Afghan relations. While the two nations fail to contain the disruption of trade and militant violence, the Torkham border crossing continues to be a hub of diplomatic strain. Whether tensions are relaxed or compounded by diplomacy remains uncertain.