Continued Closure of a Major Border Crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan

The main border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan remained closed for the second day today, Thursday, resulting in a backlog of trucks loaded with goods at the crossing following gunfire exchanges between security forces from both countries. Local officials reported that the busy border crossing was closed yesterday, Wednesday, after Afghan Taliban forces and Pakistani troops exchanged gunfire. In a statement to Reuters, the director of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce noted that "hundreds of trucks loaded with fruits, vegetables, and other goods are stranded on both sides of the crossing due to the closure." He added, "Traders have incurred heavy losses after the Torkham crossing was closed on Wednesday following the incident of gunfire there."