Pakistan Closes Key Border Crossings Amid Escalating Tensions with Afghanistan

Pakistan Seals Afghan Border Crossings Amid Clashes Pakistani officials announced the closure of two major border crossings with Afghanistan on Sunday, following overnight fire exchanges between the two countries. The Torkham crossing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Chaman in Balochistan have been sealed, security officials confirmed. Timeline of Events: Overnight fire exchanges between Pakistani and Afghan forces resulted in significant losses on both sides. Pakistani media reported that their security forces captured at least 19 Afghan border posts using heavy artillery, tanks, fighter jets, and drones. The Taliban regime in Afghanistan claimed to have killed nearly 60 Pakistani soldiers. Immediate Impact: Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that the firing by Afghan forces on civilian populations is a "blatant violation of international laws." He added that Pakistan's response was swift and effective, proving that no provocation will be tolerated. Background Context: The recent clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces have raised concerns about regional stability. The two countries share a long and porous border, which has been a source of tension for years. What Happens Next: As the situation remains volatile, international observers are closely monitoring developments. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis are underway, but no concrete solutions have been announced yet. The closure of border crossings will likely exacerbate humanitarian concerns, particularly for refugees and trade between the two countries. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Dw reporting.*