Afghan Taliban criticise closure of main border crossing with Pakistan

KABUL: The Afghan Taliban have criticised the closure of its main border crossing with Pakistan this week after clashes between security forces. Taliban administration’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement late on Saturday saying the halt in trade would see heavy losses for businesses.

The main border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan had been closed after security forces from both countries exchanged fire, officials said. Hundreds of trucks laden with goods have been halted and traders have complained that trade is affected.

This dispute arose over the construction of a bunker by the interim Afghanistan government on the Afghan side, specifically on a hilltop near the border. Pakistani authorities had requested the Afghan side to halt the construction, citing it as a violation of international law.

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Local residents on the Pakistani side reported the sound of gunfire by the Torkham crossing on Wednesday and said people around the busy border area near the Khyber Pass had fled once the firing started.

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan deems the closure of Torkham gate and opening of fire on Afghan security forces by the Pakistani side contrary to good neighbourliness,” the statement said.

“The closure of Torkham gate can adversely affect bilateral and regional trade, and cause trade and financial losses to common mercantile class on both sides,” the statement said, adding many travellers were also stuck on each side of the border.

Disputes linked to the 2,600 km (1,615 mile) border have been a bone of contention between the neighbours for decades.