Peshawar: Gunfire broke out between Pakistani forces and the Afghan Taliban at the Torkham border shortly after midnight, and the exchange of fire continues.
Security sources confirmed the clash, stating that three Pakistani Frontier Corps (FC) soldiers were injured. A local civilian lost his life while trying to seek shelter, and two other civilians sustained injuries. The wounded individuals, including the injured FC soldiers and two civilians, have been taken to a hospital in Landi Kotal.
According to security sources, Afghan Taliban forces launched heavy gunfire at the Pakistani "Ayub" post at around 2:30 AM. Reports indicate that cargo trucks parked at the border were also hit by bullets. Local residents in Torkham state that gunfire resumed again in the morning.
So far, neither Pakistani officials nor the Taliban government in Afghanistan have issued an official statement regarding the clashes. For the past ten days, many travelers hoping to cross the border have been stranded at Torkham. Following the escalation of gunfire, authorities relocated these passengers to safer locations. Additionally, residents of Bacha Mena in Torkham fled their homes late at night, seeking refuge in the homes of relatives in Landi Kotal.
According to the Human Online correspondent in Torkham, the gunfire erupted suddenly at midnight, and it was unclear which side initiated the attack. Both Pakistani and Afghan forces engaged in heavy exchange of fire, creating panic among the residents. He also noted that hundreds of Afghan travelers, including women and children, had been sheltering in mosques and nearby houses for the past several days due to the border closure.
On March 2, a meeting was held at the Torkham zero point between high-ranking Pakistani military and FC officials and Afghan Taliban representatives to discuss reopening the border. Security sources say the meeting was tense, with both sides exchanging strong arguments.
The Afghan Taliban delegation was led by Nangarhar’s Deputy Governor, Mullah Azizullah Mustafa, along with Torkham Commissioner Abdul Jabbar Hikmat, Mullah Matiullah, and Fazl Hadi Ahmad. The Pakistani side included Lieutenant Colonel Waqas, Major Diyan, and Major Hamad.
During the meeting, the Afghan Taliban put forward four demands: increasing the number of medical patients allowed to cross, raising the daily limit of import-export trucks to 1,200, allowing more travelers to cross, and receiving assurances that the border would not be closed again.
In response, Pakistan’s Colonel Waqas stated that the border would be reopened unconditionally, but both sides must refrain from constructing new security posts near the crossing. The FC officials also made it clear that there would be no increase in the number of medical patients allowed, but the movement of goods and travelers would be gradually expanded. However, they emphasized that the Afghan Taliban must ensure their border administration operates 24/7. Pakistan reiterated that it does not intend to close the border but noted that such decisions depend on the broader relationship between the two countries.
On the same day, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, met with the Taliban's Consul General in Peshawar, Hafiz Mohibullah. They discussed the Torkham border issues and emphasized the need for a swift reopening.
The Torkham crossing has been closed since February 21 at 11 PM after reports that the Afghan Taliban were constructing unauthorized structures in a restricted area. Due to the closure, a large number of travelers and cargo-laden trucks have been stranded on both sides of the border, waiting for passage.
On February 28, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the border was closed in response to the Taliban's construction of a security post in a prohibited area. However, efforts to reopen the crossing continue from both sides.
