Ceasefire fragile at key crossing
Pakistan has closed the Torkham crossing with Afghanistan after exchanges of fire along the frontier, halting one of South Asia’s busiest land routes for people and goods. The army said the border was sealed on security grounds while local authorities assessed damage and cleared the area. Traders reported hundreds of trucks stranded on both sides, many carrying perishable produce and pharmaceuticals. Passenger traffic was suspended, with families stuck in transit and students unable to return to campuses in Peshawar and Jalalabad. Officials did not provide a timeline for reopening, citing the need to prevent further incidents and ensure safe passage for civilians.

Economic pain from the shutdown
Torkham is a vital artery for bilateral commerce and a gateway for Afghanistan’s imports from Karachi and Port Qasim. The closure disrupts regional supply chains at a time of elevated food prices and fuel costs. Logistics firms warned of rising freight premiums, and exporters in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa flagged contract risks if delays persist. Aid groups expressed concern about medical shipments destined for Afghan hospitals. Islamabad urged Kabul to rein in armed groups and maintain border discipline; Afghan officials called for de-escalation. Analysts said both sides have incentives to restore traffic quickly, but warned that repeated closures undermine confidence and invite smuggling via informal routes, deepening fiscal losses. Neighbors will watch whether a joint security mechanism can stabilize the crossing without shutting trade.