KABUL (SW) – The Torkhan crossing point remains closed since the forces of the Islamic Emirate were building a checkpoint near the supposed Durand Line and were shelled by the Pakistani forces on Wednesday.
At that time, the forces of the Islamic Emirate immediately reacted to the attacks of the Pakistani forces and a fierce conflict between the two sides began.
According to local residents, in this conflict that lasted for about half an hour, both sides used light and heavy weapons.
Noor Mal, a local resident, said that the fighting was fierce but the casualties were few. According to him, only two civilians were injured in this conflict. He adds: “Afghan forces wanted to build another checkpoint near this checkpoint, which the Pakistanis opposed and finally shot at them. There was a conflict between the two sides that lasted for half an hour, ut as a result, only two civilians were injured.”
After the conflict between the Pakistani forces and the Islamic Emirate, the Torkham gate was closed to traffic by the Pakistani side, which has been closed until now. A number of citizens who go to Pakistan for treatment, education and business are also stuck in this path and are counting down the minutes to reopen the gate of Torkham.
Shahid Khan, who was going to Pakistan from Kabul for his mother’s treatment, said: “Now because of the fighting, the border is closed and our trip is also delayed. I came from Kabul and I can’t go back. I wonder what to do. My mother is seriously ill. I hope this problem will be solved as soon as possible.”
Salim, a driver at the Torkham who transports vegetables to Pakistan, is also facing a similar problem. He says that if the gate of Torkham remains closed for another day, his products will spoil. Salim adds: “Because of the war, my property is stuck here. I have to transfer it tomorrow, but I don’t know if the gate will open tomorrow or not. I hope both sides will solve this problem as soon as possible.”
On the other hand, the officials in Nangarhar say that the efforts to solve the problems in the border areas have started.
Qureshi Moulta, the head of information of the Nangarhar Intelligence and Culture Directorate, although did not provide specific statistics on the casualties of the previous day’s conflict, but mentioned that efforts are underway to reopen the Torkham gate. He adds: “Pakistani militias prevented the Afghan security forces from building a checkpoint and then shot at them, which led to a conflict. The conflict continued for half an hour, resulting in the loss of three people. For now and until further notice, the Torkham gate is closed to all traffic.”
ENDS
