Key Pakistani-Afghan border crossing closed after dispute over check post construction

ISLAMABAD

A key border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan closed on Saturday following a dispute on the construction of a new check post, an official told Anadolu.

The Torkham border crossing was closed for travelers and traffic following a verbal clash between border security forces from the two countries Friday night.

“Afghan Taliban are constructing a new check post near the border crossing. Pakistani officials told them to stop, but they refused," a Pakistani official at the border told Anadolu on the condition of anonymity.

He added that the border remained shut since morning.

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been sour since November 2023 after Islamabad launched a crackdown against illegal foreigners, mostly Afghan refugees, and announced to send them back to their countries.

Islamabad also accuses “Afghanistan-based” militants loyal to outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan of carrying out attacks, with the Taliban turning a blind eye. Kabul denies the charge.

In December, the Pakistani military carried out airstrikes, the second such cross-border action by Islamabad since March 2024, in the Barmal district of eastern Paktika province.

Afghan Taliban claimed a Pakistani jet killed 46 people, including women and children. Islamabad rejected that civilians were targeted.