LANDIKOTAL
\nIntense gunfire and mortar shelling continued for the 13th straight day at the Torkham border, with heavy rounds striking customs compounds on both sides, sources said on Thursday.
\nThey said that the escalating violence has paralyzed trade and left thousands of passengers stranded on both sides as tensions deepen on both sides of the border.
\nOfficials said in the past 13 days, 11 security personnel have reported injured while two civilians killed in firing from Afghanistan. Afghan authorities confirmed deaths of several of their soldiers in the past two weeks cross firing.
\nThe conflict, which erupted nearly two weeks ago on February 21 over a border construction dispute, has turned Torkham into a war zone. Both sides accusing each other of initiating hostilities, while repeated attempts at de-escalation have failed. The situation has caused immense hardship for traders, travelers and residents on both sides of the border.
\nTraders said the closure of Torkham has disrupted trade and halted the movement of thousands of people.
\nTorkham custom association president Mujeeb Khan Shinwari aand trader Qari Nazeem Gul Shinwari said hundreds of trucks loaded with perishable goods remain stranded, resulting in significant economic losses. They said small businesses that rely on cross-border trade have also been hit hard, with traders staging protests and urging authorities to resolve the crisis.
\nMujeeb said local residents have reported growing concerns over safety, as continuous gunfire and explosions keep the region on edge.
\nDespite diplomatic efforts, negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have yielded no breakthrough after several rounds of talks held in the past two weeks.
\nBoth countries have reinforced their security presence backed by heavy guns and tanks, with reports of additional troops being deployed. Residents feared that the situation has become increasingly volatile, with fears that the clashes could escalate into a larger conflict.
\nThe fighting intensified on Thrusday as mortar shells struck customs facilities, sending shockwaves through the border town.
\nEyewitnesses described scenes of panic as security personnel and customs officials scrambled for cover. While the full extent of the damage remains unclear, sources indicate that key infrastructure on both sides has suffered.
\nOn the other hand, the prolonged standoff has drawn concern from regional and international observers, who have urged both governments to seek a peaceful resolution. With tensions showing no signs of easing, the Torkham border remained a flashpoint, raising fears of further escalation in the days ahead.
\nPakistani authorities have asked reaidents of Bacha Mena border village to vacate their homes and shift to Landikotal,a nearby town some 7 kilomrers from Torkh border. Residents in Landikotal have also informed to remain in homes and keep the lights off during night time.
\nAll the loaded trucks have been sent back to Peshawar and other safer locations after several trucks were damaged in recent crossfire.
\nApproximately 500 taxis and 800 drivers, daily wage earners, and small business owners have lost their livelihoods at the Torkham border. They have urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to restore peace between the two brotherly Muslim nations, allowing them to earn a living for their struggling families.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
LANDIKOTAL Intense gunfire and mortar shelling continued for the 13th straight day at the Torkham border, with heavy rounds striking customs compounds on both sides, sources said on Thursday. They said that the escalating violence has paralyzed trade and left thousands of passengers stranded on both sides as tensions deepen on both sides of the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":465619,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-465592","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-peshawar"},"yoast_head":"\n