JALALABAD/ QUEETA/ KABUL (SW): Situation remains tense at the Torkham crossing point between Afghanistan and Pakistan following hours’ long exchange of fire between the border forces of the two countries on the Durand Line.
Reports suggest Pakistani forces have imposed a curfew in the border town of Barra near Torkham. Salam Watandar’s freelance correspondent Razaq Barq has reported that the locals in Barra and surrounding areas in Pakistan’s Khyber Agency have been asked to stay indoors while medical staffs have been directed to stay vigilant. He added that Pacha Mena in the Shamshad Valley area caught fire while up to nine civilian got injured during the clashes last night.
A ceasefire is in place at the zero point since Monday morning but situation remains tense and forces on both sides remain on high alert. Travelers are not allowed to cross the entry point and bilateral trade between the two countries remain suspended.
Abdullah Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer has made it clear that Afghanistan wants peaceful ties with its neighbor but if such situation is imposed then each and every citizen is ready to defend the motherland.
Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan on the other hand said in a message that exchange of fire between the Afghan and Pakistani forces would leave negative impacts on the bilateral ties.
In eastern Nangarhar province, Omid Dedar, Salam Watandar’s Correspondent reported that the Pakistani border forces wished to erect a metal gate to replace the previous metal chain at the zero point between the two countries. This move was opposed by the Afghans. He noted that the Afghan forces charge their Pakistani counterparts for initiating firing.
Col. Ayub Hussainkhail, head of the 301-Borde Zone, said in this regard that since early Sunday morning the Pakistani forces brought armored vehicles to the site in a bid to forcefully erect the new gate. He noted that this is a blunt violation of international norms and mutual agreement.
In solidarity with the Afghan Border Police (ABP), a number of civilians from various parts of the country have arrived in Torkham.
It is vital to note that this is not the first time that Pakistan has moved to establish installations at the zero point that has led to exchange of fire and casualties on both sides.
ENDS
