The Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been closed for all kinds of traffic following tensions between security forces.

Reportedly, Afghan forces had started construction of check-post at zero point on the border.

When Pakistani forces asked the Afghan side to stop the construction, the Afghan forces took up positions, raising tensions.

Following this, Pakistani forces put security on high alert and the border was closed for all types of traffic, including pedestrians. The border was closed around 10 pm on Friday night.

A customs official said that Pakistani staff on the border was shifted to Landi Kotal to prevent any untoward incident.

Afghanistan Commissioner Abdul Jabar Hikmat has confirmed the border closure as well. Afghan officials claimed that Pakistan had asked them to stop construction.

Torkham is one of eight border crossing points between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistan maintains a diplomatic presence in Kabul but has not officially recognized the Afghan Interim Government, which took power in 2021, to date.