Islamabad: In a sudden escalation of tensions, Pakistan has closed its key border crossings with Afghanistan, including the major Torkham and Chaman gates, along with several minor checkpoints, following intense exchanges of gunfire between the two nations’ forces. The border closures were confirmed by local authorities on Sunday, causing significant disruption to trade and travel along the 2,600-kilometer frontier.
The clashes reportedly began late Saturday, when Afghan troops fired on Pakistani border posts in response to Pakistani airstrikes earlier in the week. The Pakistan military retaliated with artillery and gunfire, leading to the destruction of multiple Afghan posts along the frontier. While the heavy exchanges of fire had largely subsided by Sunday morning, intermittent gunfire continued in Pakistan’s Kurram district, raising concerns about further escalation.
Officials noted that minor crossings at Kharlachi, Angoor Adda, and Ghulam Khan were also closed, affecting local communities and traders dependent on cross-border movement. The Afghan Ministry of Defence stated that their operations concluded at midnight local time, claiming that no threats remained on Afghan soil. Meanwhile, Kabul has not issued any public response to the border shutdown.
The closure adds another layer of strain to Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, which have long been marred by mistrust and accusations of militant activity. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Taliban administration in Kabul of providing safe havens for militants who carry out attacks in Pakistan, a claim consistently denied by Afghan authorities. Analysts warn that the shutdown could have long-term economic repercussions, particularly in trade-dependent border towns.
Authorities from both sides are under pressure to de-escalate the situation and restore normalcy. Security analysts note that the ongoing standoff highlights the fragile state of border management between the two neighbors and the urgent need for dialogue to prevent further incidents.
The situation remains fluid, and Pakistan’s military has not indicated a timeline for reopening the crossings, leaving thousands of travelers and traders in uncertainty. Regional observers stress that without diplomatic intervention, such flare-ups could escalate, affecting broader stability in South Asia.