Casualties as Afghan, Pak forces trade fire at Torkham

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghan and Pakistani security forces on Wednesday exchanged fire at Torkham crossing in eastern Nangarhar province, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) said.

MoI wrote on X: “The skirmish happened today when Pakistani security forces opened fire at Afghan security forces who retaliated”.

The ministry said officials of both sides were aware of the clash and efforts were underway to know what led to the clash and prevent such incidents in future.

The main crossing point between the two countries has reportedly been closed after the clash that caused some casualties, but exact figures were not immediately known.

Security forces of Afghanistan and Pakistan had previously clashed as well.

In Nangarhar province, where the crossing is located, police spokesman Abdul Basir Zabuli told Pajhwok that the Pakistani forces first fired and then the Afghan forces also fired back.

Nangarhar information and culture department spokesman Sadiqullah Qureshi said the clash caused some casualties, but exact figures were not immediately known.

He confirmed the border gate had been closed for all kinds of traffic.

A hand-cart owner in Torkham also told Pajhwok on condition of anonymity that it were the Pakistanis who fired first and the Afghan side retaliated.

“It was around 11am when the clash broke out, but no one was killed.”

Pakistani authorities have so far said nothing about the clash

aw/ma

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