Clashes escalate at Torkham border as customs terminals hit

LANDIKOTAL: Intense gunfire and mortar shelling continued for the 13th consecutive day Thursday at the Torkham border, with heavy rounds striking customs compounds on both sides, sources said. They said that the escalating violence has paralysed trade and left thousands of passengers stranded on both sides.

Officials said in the past 13 days, two civilians were killed in firing from Afghanistan. Afghan authorities confirmed deaths of several of their soldiers in the past two weeks of cross firing.

The conflict, which erupted nearly two weeks ago on February 21 over a border construction dispute, has turned Torkham into a war zone. Both sides accuse each other of initiating hostilities, while repeated attempts at de-escalation have failed. The situation has caused immense hardship for traders, travelers and residents on both sides of the border. The Torkham customs association president Mujeeb Khan Shinwari, and trader Qari Nazeem Gul Shinwari said hundreds of trucks loaded with perishable goods remain stranded, resulting in significant economic losses. They said small businesses that rely on cross-border trade have also been hit hard, with traders staging protests and urging authorities to resolve the crisis.

Mujeeb said local residents have reported growing concerns over safety, as continuous gunfire and explosions keep the region on edge.

Both countries have reinforced their security presence backed by heavy guns and tanks, with reports of additional troops being deployed. The fighting intensified on Thursday as mortar shells struck customs facilities, sending shockwaves through the border town. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as security personnel and customs officials scrambled for cover. While the full extent of the damage remains unclear, sources indicate that key infrastructure on both sides has suffered.

Pakistani authorities have asked residents of Bacha Meena border village to vacate their homes and shift to Landikotal, a nearby town some 7 kilometers from Torkham border. The residents in Landikotal have also been informed to remain indoors and keep the lights off during night time.

All the loaded trucks have been sent back to Peshawar and other safer locations after several trucks were damaged in a recent crossfire.