Pakistani-Afghan crossing reopens after deadly clashes

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan reopened a main border crossing with Afghanistan that was closed earlier this week following clashes between the two sides over Pakistan’s construction of a gate to curb illegal cross-border movement, two Pakistani security officials said Saturday.

All those carrying valid travel documents were now being allowed to cross Torkham border, the officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Thousands of people have been stranded on both sides due to the border closure on Sunday, when Pakistan and Afghanistan began trading fire and two Afghan border guards and one Pakistani army officer were killed.

The reopening is likely to ease tensions between the two countries, who have accused each other of initiating the violence.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said an Afghan delegation will arrive in Islamabad on Monday to discuss the Torkham crossing and other border management issues.

Afghanistan disputes the border between the two countries, known as the Durand line, which dates back to colonial times.