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Torkham border closed after overnight firing from Afghan side

March 28, 2026
In this undated picture people are pictured at the zero point Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan, in Nangarhar province. — APP
In this undated picture people are pictured at the zero point Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan, in Nangarhar province. — APP

LANDIKOTAL: The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan was closed once again on Friday morning following a late-night firing incident from the Afghan side, official sources said.

According to government officials, the Torkham border crossing recently reopened after nearly six months and had to be shut within hours due to deteriorating security conditions. The road leading to the border remained deserted as all movement was suspended.

The officials said that the closure followed an exchange of fire triggered by sniper activity from across the Afghan side. A Frontier Corps (FC) Subedar was injured after being hit by a sniper shot at a Pakistani checkpost.

Unconfirmed reports suggested that at least two persons on Pakistan’s side sustained injuries due to firing by Afghan forces. However, officials have not yet independently verified these claims.

The border had only been partially reopened on March 26, allowing the repatriation of Afghan families returning to Afghanistan. Authorities emphasized that no trade or pedestrian movement had resumed, as restrictions remained in place.

Officials said Torkham border crossing has witnessed prolonged closures in recent months. It had remained shut since February 24, following intense clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces.

Moreover, cross-border trade and routine pedestrian movement have been largely suspended since October 12, 2025, severely affecting local businesses and daily wage earners.

Security forces have tightened measures in the and authorities said the situation was being closely monitored. No timeline has yet been provided for reopening the border.