A significant northwestern border crossing linking Pakistan and Afghanistan has reopened after a ten-day closure prompted by clashes between border forces from both nations. The Torkham border was shut by Pakistan on September 6 following an exchange of fire between guards from the two countries, with Pakistan alleging that Taliban authorities had constructed "unlawful structures" in the area, Daryo corresponden in Afghanistan reported.
🚨 Breaking News 🚨: The Taliban Ministry of Interior spokesman has #confirmed a #clash between #Taliban #militants and #Pakistani border #guards at the #Torkham border.
— Daryo | Central Asia & Afghanistan (@DaryoEng) September 6, 2023
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Spokesman #AbdulMateenQaneing reports that the #conflict #escalated with Pakistani forces opening… pic.twitter.com/RNrW1hhZLq
Government official Nasir Khan confirmed the border's reopening on September 15 in the morning, allowing stranded trucks and pedestrians to resume passage between the two nations. Ismatullah Yaqoob, Afghanistan's commissioner in Torkham, verified the resumption of border activity.
The reopening has been met with relief by traders on both sides, who had endured significant losses, particularly in perishable goods, during the closure. Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, a representative from the Pakistan and Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the move.
To address these issues and discuss the recent surge in terror incidents, Pakistan's envoy to Afghanistan, Ubaidur Rehman Nizamani, held talks with the Taliban administration's Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Kabul a day before the border's reopening.
The reopening of the Torkham border is expected to restore trade and connectivity between Pakistan and Afghanistan, alleviating economic hardships faced by traders on both sides. However, the delicate security situation in the region remains a significant concern, underscoring the need for continued efforts to maintain stability along the border and address terrorism-related challenges.
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