ISLAMABAD — Sporadic clashes between Taliban and Pakistani border guards have continued for the past two days, with both sides using light and heavy weaponry, local sources told Amu TV on Tuesday.
According to Pakistan’s Express Tribune, at least one Pakistani civilian was killed, while four Pakistani soldiers and another civilian were wounded in the fighting. The Taliban’s Interior Ministry confirmed that one of their fighters was also killed.
The latest exchange of fire erupted late Monday night, Feb. 3, at the Torkham border crossing, following the collapse of negotiations aimed at reopening the key trade route. Fighting continued into a second night, with both sides blaming each other for instigating the clashes.
The Express Tribune, citing unnamed sources, reported that Pakistan has deployed additional troops to the area. Meanwhile, residents of Pache Mina, a village near Landi Kotal, were forced to flee due to the intensity of the fighting.
Taliban officials have acknowledged two civilian injuries in the clashes.
Trade and humanitarian impact
The Torkham border crossing has been closed for 12 days, blocking the movement of travelers and commercial goods. Afghan traders warn that the prolonged closure has resulted in millions of dollars in losses for businesses on both sides.
“More than 2,500 trucks carrying goods are stranded, and so far, traders have lost an estimated $15 million,” the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce reported. Daily trade between the two countries, valued at $3 million, has been severely disrupted.
Beyond economic losses, Kabul residents say the closure has led to rising food prices, particularly for essential imports from Pakistan.
“With the border closed, food prices in Afghanistan have gone up, especially fruits and other goods from Pakistan,” one Kabul resident said. Another added, “Many people cannot afford expensive food, especially during Ramadan.”
Local sources say the closure was triggered by Taliban-led construction of border facilities, a move that Pakistan strongly opposed.
Neither government has provided a clear timeline for resolving the dispute, raising concerns about prolonged disruptions to trade and worsening humanitarian conditions.
