The Charge d’affaires of Afghanistan in Pakistan recently engaged indiplomatic discussions with Pakistan’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan,aiming to address the ongoing issue surrounding the Torkham border crossingthat connects the two nations. However, this diplomatic encounter unfoldedagainst a backdrop of heightened tensions.
Pakistan voiced its concerns regarding the actions of Afghan forces, whohad attempted to construct a border post on what Pakistan claims as its ownterritory. These tensions had escalated to the point of an exchange of firebetween troops, leading to the border’s closure.
In light of the recent events, Pakistan was resolute in asserting itsposition, firmly stating that it would not compromise its territorialintegrity. Special Envoy Asif Durrani emphasized to Afghan Charged’affaires Sardar Ahmed Shakeeb that the construction of the border postwas viewed as an occupation of Pakistani territory. Additionally, sourcesrevealed that Afghan officials were informed that their country’s soil hadbeen used as a launching point for a terrorist attack on Pakistan’s borderdistrict of Chitral.
The Afghan Charge d’affaires expressed his concerns over the closure of theTorkham border crossing, highlighting the hardships faced by people on bothsides of the border. Meanwhile, Asif Durrani assured the Afghan diplomatthat Pakistan intended to reopen the border in the near future.
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Despite this assurance, the border remained shut for a third consecutiveday, causing significant disruptions to trade, including dozens of strandedtrucks loaded with perishable goods, and affecting Afghan nationalstraveling to Peshawar for medical treatment or trade. The situation at theTorkham border remained a complex and pressing issue between the twoneighboring nations.
