CaliToday (12/10/2025): Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have surged to their most critical point in years after Islamabad shut the main Torkham border crossing on Sunday, October 12, following intense overnight clashes between the two nations' forces that left dozens dead. The Pakistani government has issued a stern warning that it will not compromise on its territorial integrity, accusing the Afghan Taliban of failing to curb cross-border militant attacks.
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| Pakistani soldiers stand guard at the Torkham border crossing in Khyber district, Pakistan. (Photo: AP) |
The drastic measure to seal Torkham, a vital artery for trade and transit in the region, along with other key crossings like Chaman, has stranded thousands of civilians and brought commercial activity to a grinding halt, signaling a severe deterioration in bilateral relations.
A Weekend of Fierce Escalation
The border closure is a direct consequence of heavy exchanges of fire that erupted late Saturday night. According to officials, the conflict began when Afghan forces opened fire on Pakistani border posts. The Taliban-led government in Kabul described the move as a retaliation for unacknowledged Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan earlier in the week, which reportedly targeted militants.
Pakistan’s military responded with significant force, employing artillery and gunfire. Both sides have claimed to have destroyed multiple border posts belonging to the other. Casualty figures remain conflicting and unverified, highlighting the intensity of the confrontation. The Pakistani military reported that 23 of its soldiers were killed, while claiming to have "neutralized" over 200 Afghan soldiers and affiliated militants. Conversely, the Afghan government claimed its forces killed 58 Pakistani soldiers while suffering nine losses.
In a strongly worded statement, the Pakistani Prime Minister's Office condemned what it called "Afghanistan's aggression" and praised the army's "strong and effective response."
"There will be no compromise on Pakistan's defence, and every act of aggression will be met with a decisive response," the statement read. "Our resolve to defend Pakistan's territorial integrity and to defeat those who threaten our security is unwavering."
The Core of the Conflict: Militant Sanctuaries
At the heart of the escalating tensions is Pakistan's long-standing accusation that the Afghan Taliban is providing safe haven to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an extremist group responsible for numerous deadly attacks inside Pakistan. The TTP, which has close ideological ties to the Afghan Taliban, has been fighting to overthrow the government in Islamabad.
Islamabad has grown increasingly frustrated with Kabul's perceived inaction, stating it has shared intelligence about TTP activities on Afghan soil but has seen no "demonstrable conclusive action." Pakistani officials have framed their recent military actions, including the alleged airstrikes, as counter-terrorism operations based on the right to self-defense.
The Afghan Taliban government has consistently denied these allegations. During a visit to India, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi stated, "There is no safe haven for TTP in Afghanistan," and warned that while his government prefers a peaceful resolution, it is fully capable of defending its borders and has "other options" if diplomatic efforts fail.
Humanitarian and Economic Fallout
The closure of the Torkham and Chaman crossings has immediate and severe consequences. Torkham is not just a trade route; it's a lifeline for landlocked Afghanistan. Hundreds of trucks carrying essential goods like food, medicine, and fuel cross daily. The shutdown is expected to cause millions of dollars in losses for traders on both sides and disrupt critical supply chains.
Beyond the economic impact is the human cost. An average of 10,000 people, including traders, transporters, and Afghan civilians seeking medical treatment in Pakistan, use the Torkham crossing daily. The sudden closure has left countless individuals stranded in dire conditions, amplifying the humanitarian strain in an already fragile region.
International Calls for Restraint
The international community is watching the deteriorating situation with concern. Several Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iran, have called on both sides to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue to de-escalate tensions.
"The Kingdom calls for restraint, avoiding escalation, and embracing dialogue and wisdom to contribute to reducing tensions and maintaining security and stability in the region," the Saudi Foreign Ministry said
The Afghan Foreign Ministry acknowledged these calls, stating that friendly governments had urged an end to the fighting and that, from their side, "the retaliatory mission" had achieved its objectives and been stopped. However, the situation on the ground remains precarious, with the border sealed and military forces on high alert, leaving the future of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations hanging in the balance.
