In Islamabad, discussions between Pakistani and Afghan authorities aimed at reopening the Torkham border concluded inconclusively on Sunday. The Torkham border had been shut down since September 6 after a clash erupted between Pakistani and Afghan forces. The dispute began when Afghan forces attempted to establish a checkpoint on the Pakistani side of the border, leading Pakistan to view it as a violation of their prior agreement, resulting in the clash.
The Afghan Taliban government reported that two of its border guards were killed during the exchange of gunfire, leading to the continued closure of the border. Talks took place on Sunday between the two nations’ officials regarding the border’s reopening, but no resolution was reached.
Sources indicate that Pakistani authorities informed their Afghan counterparts that the decision to reopen the border lies with the federal government, but as of yet, there has been no official announcement from Pakistan on the matter. Nevertheless, some Pakistani officials have independently stated that Pakistan will not permit any construction on its territory, citing concerns about sovereignty.
On Saturday, the Afghan government issued a statement expressing worry over the border’s closure, emphasizing the adverse impact on the business community. The Afghan government had also engaged in discussions with Pakistan regarding the issue. Due to the border’s closure, numerous trucks are stranded on both sides, and ordinary individuals who frequently cross the border are facing difficulties.
This clash between Pakistani and Afghan forces underscores the strained relations between Pakistan and the Taliban’s interim government in Afghanistan. On the same day as the clash, hundreds of terrorists crossed into Pakistan from Afghanistan and attacked a Pakistani post in the Chitral district. At least 12 Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants were killed in this confrontation, with four Pakistani soldiers also losing their lives.
Additionally, there was an altercation between Pakistan’s security forces and terrorists in the broader Chitral area, resulting in the death of at least seven terrorists. These recent confrontations suggest that TTP militants have infiltrated the Chitral region.
Following these events in Chitral, Pakistan has raised its concerns by summoning the representative of the Afghan government in Pakistan and urging Afghanistan to control the TTP militants on its territory. However, the Afghan government spokesperson has denied any involvement of its territory in the Chitral attacks, although Pakistan possesses a video showing the TTP leader ordering his fighters to launch an attack.
It appears that Pakistan has adopted a firmer stance on the TTP issue and is intensifying pressure on Afghanistan’s interim government.