Pakistan Closes Torkham Border Amid Rising Afghan Tensions 2025

The Pakistan government has temporarily closed the Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan following deadly clashes and heightened security tensions along the frontier. The decision halts all trade, transit, and pedestrian movement through one of South Asia’s most critical commercial routes.

According to officials, the move comes after exchange of fire and attacks over the weekend that left at least 23 Pakistani security personnel martyred and over 200 militants killed in retaliatory operations conducted by Pakistani forces.

Background: Torkham’s Strategic Importance

The Torkham border, connecting Pakistan’s Khyber District with eastern Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, is one of the main gateways for trade and people-to-people movement between the two countries.
It handles thousands of vehicles daily, carrying goods worth millions of dollars.
The sudden closure has disrupted regional trade supply chains, affecting businesses, transporters, and travelers on both sides.

Officials redirected freight convoys toward Landi Kotal as a precaution, citing security risks in the border zone.

Expert Analysis: Tensions Could Escalate Further

Security analyst Lt. Gen. (R) Amjad Shoaib believes the situation demands “firm but cautious diplomacy.”

“Pakistan’s response reflects a defensive measure, not aggression. However, without Afghanistan’s cooperation, stability along the border will remain fragile,” he stated.

Regional experts also warn that continued militant movement along the Durand Line could undermine counterterrorism progress and bilateral trust between Islamabad and Kabul.

Impact on Pakistan’s Trade and Security

The closure is expected to cause:

• Severe trade disruptions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

• Delays in fuel, food, and medicine transport to border provinces.

• Economic losses for traders relying on daily exports.

For Pakistan, the decision underscores growing concerns about militant infiltration and security lapses near key border points.

What Happens Next

Officials say discussions are underway to de-escalate the situation through diplomatic and military coordination channels.
However, the border is likely to remain sealed for several days, depending on intelligence assessments.
The Foreign Office is expected to issue a formal statement once talks with the Afghan interim government progress.