Pakistan Closes Torkham Border Over Afghan Construction, Says Taliban Official

The Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been closed for the second consecutive day, with the Taliban claiming the closure is in response to construction activities on the Afghan side.

Abdul Jabbar Hikmat, the Taliban commissioner at Torkham, stated on Friday night that Pakistani authorities had shut the gate due to ongoing infrastructure work carried out by the Taliban.

In a video statement, Hikmat criticised Pakistan’s actions, saying, “Pakistanis always treat us this way. Torkham is a vital trade route, with 700 to 800 trucks passing through daily and around 4,000 to 5,000 passengers travelling via this crossing. We have asked the Pakistani authorities to explain the reason for the closure and reopen the gate, but they have not responded so far.”

The border closure has caused significant difficulties for travellers, including patients, women, and children, while also disrupting trade, leaving cargo trucks stranded on both sides.

Local sources in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces reported recent clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani border guards. The skirmishes reportedly occurred separately in Shali Dara village, Khas Kunar district of Kunar province, and in Goshta district of Nangarhar province.

This is not the first time Pakistan has shut the Torkham crossing, which the Pakistani government has frequently used as leverage against the Taliban.

Over the past three and a half years, relations between the Taliban and Pakistan have remained tense. Despite Islamabad’s initial support for the Taliban, ongoing border disputes, cross-border attacks by armed groups, and trade disagreements have repeatedly strained ties.

As of now, Pakistani authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the border closure.