Tensions rise between Afghanistan and Pakistan

Verbal exchanges between representatives of the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan are intensifying, causing concern among residents and entrepreneurs of both countries.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, on September 12, 2023, an official representative of the Ministry responded to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan.

In his statement, the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan noted that “the interim authorities of Afghanistan are well aware of the reasons for the temporary closure of the ‘Torkham’ border crossing on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.” According to the agency, Afghan forces fired at military targets in Pakistan and endangered the lives of both Pakistani and Afghan civilians.

“Unprovoked fire from Afghan border forces invariably emboldens terrorist elements,” the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan said.

Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Taliban government in Afghanistan, in a statement on September 9, noted that “the government of Pakistan closed the ‘Torkham’ checkpoint after Pakistani border guards opened fire on Afghan border guards while they were engaged in repairing an old border post built several years ago.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan stated that the Pakistani side, contrary to the agreements reached, closed the border crossing under various pretexts, and the processing of cargo for Afghanistan has been suspended at the Pakistani seaport of Karachi. Hundreds of trucks carrying fruits, vegetables, and other goods have accumulated at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Entrepreneurs are suffering heavy losses.

The ‘Torkham’ border crossing was closed on September 6, when armed clashes occurred between the Taliban and Pakistani border guards at the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Both sides accused each other of starting the shooting.

Tajik entrepreneurs also use this border crossing to deliver goods from India and Pakistan to Central Asian countries.