At the Torkham border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, a driver was killed and at least two Pakistani soldiers were injured during violent clashes.
The border remained closed for the 10th consecutive day today. The fresh clashes took place at a time when both sides recently reached an agreement to reopen the border crossing on 2nd March.
However, despite the agreement, the key trade Torkham crossing remained closed and fresh clashes erupted this morning. Sources in the area have confirmed a heavy exchange of fire between both sides.
The Interior Ministry in Kabul said one Afghan security personnel was killed and another was injured in the incident at the Torkham crossing, which has been shut for 11 days due to Pakistan disputing Afghanistan’s construction of a new border post there.
Both countries have in the past closed Torkham and the southwestern Chaman border crossing, most often over deadly shootings and cross-fire. The crossings are vital for trade and travel between Pakistan and landlocked Afghanistan.