Afghanistan Peace CampaignThe clash occurred while hundreds of travelers and patients, along with thousands of freight trucks, remained stranded on both sides of the Torkham crossing.
Local residents report that forces of the Islamic Emirate and Pakistani military personnel engaged in a clash at Torkham around 12:30 AM on Sunday.
According to local sources, the shooting was initiated by Pakistani forces against the Islamic Emirate troops and their checkpoints. As a result, some shops and houses of civilians were also affected.
The clash occurred while hundreds of travelers and patients, along with thousands of freight trucks, remained stranded on both sides of the Torkham crossing.
Abdul Mateen Qani, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, commented on the incident: “The Pakistani side initiated the conflict around midnight, which lasted for eleven days. Our defensive forces were compelled to respond, resulting in the destruction of some opposing checkpoints and casualties on their side. On our side, one Mujahid was martyred, and two others were injured. The issue has now been resolved.”
“When the clash happened last night, families were in a dire situation. It was raining, and they had to leave their homes,” said Hemat Shinwari, a local resident.
“Some people were asleep, while others had just returned from Taraweeh prayers when the gunfire started at midnight. The fighting was intense, forcing families to abandon their homes and leave the area overnight,” said Lal Nazar, another resident.
Meanwhile, truck drivers urge Pakistani authorities to resolve issues with Afghanistan through dialogue instead of conflict and to reopen the Torkham crossing as soon as possible.
“Thousands of trucks are stuck by the roadsides. It has been ten days since we have been here. We request that the route be reopened because we are extremely worried,” said Rahmat Gul, a truck driver at Torkham.
This is not the first time Pakistani forces have opened fire on the Islamic Emirate’s troops. Previously, Pakistani military personnel have repeatedly attacked Afghanistan’s security forces without any justification.
The Torkham crossing was closed to all movement ten days ago when Islamic Emirate forces were constructing facilities on their side of the hypothetical Durand Line, prompting Pakistan to block access.