Pakistan Army troops patrol along the fence on the Pakistan Afghanistan border. (Photo | AP) 
World

Pakistan-Afghan border still closed two days after deadly clash

Border tensions have risen since the Taliban's return to power last year, with Pakistan alleging militant groups are planning attacks from Afghan soil.

AFP

QUETTA: Hundreds of people were stranded Saturday at a key border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan, days after fighting between security forces left at least three dead.

Border tensions have risen since the Taliban's return to power last year, with Pakistan alleging militant groups are planning attacks from Afghan soil.

The Taliban deny harbouring Pakistani militants, but are also infuriated by a fence Islamabad is erecting along their 2,700-kilometre (1,600-mile) border, drawn up in colonial times and known as the Durand Line.

Each side blamed the other for Thursday's fighting at the Chaman-Spin Boldak crossing.

"The border remains closed for passengers as well as trade," a Pakistani security official told AFP.

"A delegation of tribal notables and religious leaders has been formed to hold talks with the Taliban," he added.

An AFP reporter saw hundreds of people waiting at Chaman for the border to reopen.

Thousands usually cross every day, including traders, Afghans seeking medical treatment in Pakistan, and people visiting relatives.

Cong demands PM Modi's resignation for 'match-fixing' polls through CEC; demands suspension of SIR

Asian Games 2026: Shooter Neeru ends India's wait, bags historic gold in trap discipline

One Assam Rifles jawan killed, four injured in suspected militant attack in Arunachal's Changlang district

Jaishankar flags US lack of understanding on cross-border terror concerns, says it impacts bilateral ties

SC to hear plea raising doubts over CEC Gyanesh Kumar's decisions next week