The Torkham border, the main crossing point between Pakistan and Afghanistan, was closed on Wednesday after an exchange of fire between the security forces of the two countries. The incident began when the Afghan side started constructing a bunker on a hilltop near the border. Pakistani authorities requested the Afghan side to stop the construction, but they refused.
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Talks between Pakistani and Afghan officials failed to resolve the issue, and the Afghan troops then started shelling the Pakistani side of the border.
Several mortar shells were fired from the Afghan side, landing at the Customs, FIA, and other offices. One mortar shell also hit a mosque on the Pakistani side of the border, but there were no casualties.
The exchange of fire lasted for around three hours, and one Frontier Corps soldier was injured. Thousands of passengers and trucks were stuck on both sides of the border.
Residents of the border village of Bacha Mena started shifting to safer places. They urged the authorities to resolve the matter through talks.
The border remained closed at the time of writing.
Why is the Torkham border important?
The Torkham border is the main trade and transit route between Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is also a major crossing point for Afghans seeking asylum in Pakistan.
The closure of the border will have a significant impact on the economies of both countries. It will also make it more difficult for Afghans to flee the country.
How can the issue be resolved?
The only way to resolve the issue is through talks between the Pakistani and Afghan governments. Both sides need to show flexibility and compromise in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution.
The international community can also play a role in helping to resolve the issue. They can urge the two sides to engage in dialogue and offer their support for a negotiated settlement.
The closure of the Torkham border is a serious development. It is important for the Pakistani and Afghan governments to resolve the issue through talks as soon as possible. The international community can also play a role in helping to resolve the issue.