Installation of ‘Welcome to Pakistan’ signboard apparent cause of latest closure.
Torkham border closure heightens Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions. The Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been abruptly closed by Afghan authorities, reportedly in response to the installation of a ‘Welcome to Pakistan’ signboard at the crossing’s Zero Point. This closure has led to a halt in all vehicle and pedestrian traffic at a crucial trade route where Afghanistan exports coal and receives essential supplies from Pakistan.
The strained relationship between the two neighboring nations has been further heightened by Pakistan’s recent policy shift towards the Afghan Taliban. Pakistan has announced that it will no longer extend “special privileges” to the interim Afghan Taliban government, signaling a departure from its previous stance. This change is seen as a reaction to concerns about the Afghan Taliban government allegedly harboring individuals viewed as enemies by Pakistan.
Pakistan had previously collaborated with regional partners to lift sanctions against the Afghan Taliban government and release frozen funds following the fall of Kabul in August 2021. However, recent developments suggest a shift in Pakistan’s approach, indicating a reluctance to provide special favors to the Afghan Taliban government.
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Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have also been exacerbated by the existence of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sanctuaries across the border. Moreover, Pakistan’s decision to repatriate Afghans without refugee status or visas has added strain to relations with the Taliban government, leading to an escalation of tensions between the two countries.
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