Fresh clashes at Torkham border leave civilian injured

LANDIKOTAL: Fresh clashes between Pakistan and Afghan forces at the Torkham border left a civilian injured and forced the key border crossing to remain shut, causing fear among residents and disrupting trade, sources said on Wednesday.

The sources said that during the exchange of fire, a mortar shell struck a house in Bacha Mena border village in Pakistan, injuring a man identified as Ishaq. The situation remained tense as both sides continued to exchange gunfire, prompting residents near the border to evacuate their homes.

A Pakistani border official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Afghan forces initiated the firing, and we had to respond in self-defence. We are committed to ensuring the security of our territory and civilians.”

He said the border had been closed since February 21 due to a dispute over construction activities on the disputed area of Zero Point, leaving thousands of trucks stranded with essential goods. The prolonged shutdown has resulted in an estimated $15 million in economic losses and worsened the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, where many people depend on cross-border trade.

Earlier this week, similar clashes led to the death of a Taliban fighter and injuries to several others on both sides. The violence has forced thousands of people to flee to safer areas, fearing further escalation.

Authorities from both countries called for dialogue to ease tensions and reopen the border, but no breakthrough could be reached. Security forces on both sides remained on high alert as the standoff continued.

Reports said shells fired from Afghanistan struck the bunkers of Pakistani security forces and damaged other residential and official compounds in Bacha Mena village in Pakistan.