KHYBER: Amid renewed clashes and escalating tensions between Pakistani and Afghan forces, both the Chaman and Torkham border crossings have been closed for trade and pedestrian movement from both sides.
Sources confirmed that all travel and cargo operations at the Torkham border have been halted, with trucks redirected to Landi Kotal. The closure has caused inconvenience for people and traders on both sides, but officials said the step was necessary in light of the current security situation.
Following the latest cross-border exchanges, the Bab-e-Dosti crossing in Chaman, Balochistan, has also been sealed for all movement until further notice.
Most Afghan nationals voluntarily returning or being repatriated to Afghanistan have been using the Chaman crossing. The seven Balochistan districts sharing a border with Afghanistan include Zhob, Qila Saifullah, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Chaman, Nushki, and Chagai.
Earlier, on February 21, movement at Torkham was suspended due to a dispute between Pakistani and Afghan forces over border construction activities.
