Pakistan has suspended the movement of Afghan transit cargo through key border crossings after deadly clashes erupted between security forces and armed groups along the Pak-Afghan frontier, officials confirmed on Thursday. The decision, described as a temporary “security measure,” comes amid rising tensions between Islamabad and Kabul over cross-border militancy.
Border Clashes Trigger Suspension
According to official sources, the clashes occurred earlier this week near the Torkham and Chaman crossings, two of the busiest trade and transit routes between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistani security forces reportedly came under fire from across the border, prompting retaliatory action.
The fighting left multiple casualties on both sides and caused significant disruption to trade convoys carrying goods under the Afghan Transit Trade Agreement (ATTA).
“In view of the recent security situation and repeated violations from across the border, cargo movement has been temporarily suspended,” a senior official from Pakistan’s Interior Ministry said. “The safety of our personnel and infrastructure is the top priority.”
Heavy Security Deployment
In the aftermath of the clashes, the Frontier Corps and other security agencies increased their presence along the border. Armored vehicles and additional checkpoints were set up near Torkham, while Chaman remained sealed for cargo traffic. Passenger movement was also restricted in several areas, with long queues of trucks now stranded on both sides of the border.
Security officials said intelligence suggested further infiltration attempts and cross-border firing, prompting heightened alert status. “Our forces are on standby,” a military spokesperson told reporters. “No compromise will be made on Pakistan’s territorial security.”
Trade and Economic Implications
The suspension of Afghan transit cargo has raised concerns in both countries, as Pakistan serves as a critical trade corridor for landlocked Afghanistan. Each day, hundreds of trucks transport fuel, food, construction materials, and other essential goods through Pakistani ports and highways.
Traders warned that prolonged disruptions could lead to serious supply shortages in Afghanistan and significant economic losses for Pakistani transporters and logistics companies. “Thousands of containers are stuck,” said a customs agent at Torkham. “This will affect prices on both sides of the border.”
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
Islamabad has repeatedly accused armed groups operating from Afghan soil of carrying out cross-border attacks, particularly targeting security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Pakistani officials have called on the Afghan interim government to act decisively against these groups.
Kabul, however, has denied supporting such elements and urged Pakistan to avoid actions that disrupt trade and the movement of people. Afghan traders have appealed to both governments to resolve the standoff through diplomatic channels.
Looking Ahead
The Ministry of Interior has indicated that the suspension will remain in place until security assessments improve. Discussions between border authorities of both countries are expected in the coming days to ease tensions and restore movement.
For now, the incident highlights the fragile state of Pak-Afghan relations, where security concerns and trade interdependence are deeply intertwined. Analysts warn that if the situation persists, it could not only harm bilateral commerce but also complicate broader regional cooperation efforts.