Border crossing closed after skirmishes between Pakistani forces, Taliban

New Delhi, May 17: For the past three days, the residents of Paktia province in Afghanistan have witnessed intense clashes between Taliban troops and Pakistan’s border guards, Afghanistan media reported. According to locals, dozens of missiles fired by Pakistan have struck residential houses, as reported by Afghanistan’s Tolo News Agency.

The violence, which initially broke out in Aryob Zazi district, has now spread to the Dand-e-Patan district. Despite the ongoing conflict, the ruling Taliban government has yet to provide details regarding the clashes, including any casualties officially.

Residents and eyewitnesses described the situation to Tolo News Agency. “It was ten o’clock, and the fighting was intense; people with their children went by car towards Samkanai district,” said Amir Khan, a resident of Paktia. Locals also reported that Pakistani forces targeted residential houses, forcing some families in Dand-e-Patan to flee their homes.

In response to the hostilities, the Kharlachi transit route in Dand-e-Patan has been closed to all traffic. This route is an unofficial crossing used for commercial goods between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Local analysts warn that such border clashes could further strain relations between the two countries.  Some Pakistani media outlets have reported casualties on their side, with one soldier dead and four others wounded. Meanwhile, a source told Tolo News that five Taliban forces have also been injured however, officially there has not been any confirmation.

The regional office of Tasnim News Agency has reported that the conflict in Paktia continues sporadically into its fourth day. The clashes reportedly began due to Pakistani forces' attempts to establish a security checkpoint at the zero point of the disputed Durand Line in Dand-e-Patan.

This skirmish is not the first of its kind. Taliban and Pakistani border forces have clashed multiple times over the past few months. In late March, similar conflicts were reported, with shelling from Taliban troops wounding four civilians and three military personnel in Pakistan's Kurram district.

These border conflicts occur against a backdrop of another unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). In Muzaffarabad,  thousands of people were on the streets led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) last week. Demonstrations and anti-Pakistan slogans have been happening since May 10, demanding reduced wheat flour prices and electricity rates aligned with hydropower production costs.

The protests turned violent, resulting in clashes with security forces. At least four people, including a policeman, were killed, and over 100 were injured. The JAAC ended the protests on May 13 after the local government agreed to reduce wheat and electricity prices. However, despite an announced $83 million subsidy, public dissatisfaction remains high, suggesting the measures are insufficient.

To curb further unrest, Pakistan authorities have suspended internet services, closed schools, and the local business community has shut down operations independently. This has significantly disrupted daily life and economic activity, affecting education, livelihoods, and overall community stability.