Afghanistan Warns Pakistan of “other options” as Torkham Border Closes After Clashes

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi delivered a chilling warning to Pakistan, declaring that Kabul has “other options” if peace efforts collapse, following intense border clashes along the contentious Durand Line. The overnight skirmishes, which erupted on October 11 and marked one of the gravest confrontations since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover, left dozens dead on both sides. Muttaqi described Afghanistan’s four-hour retaliatory operation as a success, stating, “We achieved our objectives, and during that, we tried to ensure that none of the civilians faced any kind of harm.” He accused “some elements in Pakistan” of stoking instability, while maintaining that the situation was “under control” after interventions by Qatar and Saudi Arabia prompted a ceasefire.

The clashes, centered in provinces like Khost, Paktika, Kunar, and Nangarhar, have led to the complete closure of the Torkham border crossing, a vital artery for $1.5 billion in annual trade between the two nations. A senior Pakistani official confirmed to AFP that paramilitary forces were deployed to Torkham, with civilian staff evacuated for safety. The Chaman crossing, linking Pakistan’s Balochistan to Afghanistan’s Kandahar, was also sealed, alongside minor posts like Kharlachi and Ghulam Khan. The Taliban-led Defense Ministry, through spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, claimed Afghan forces killed 58 Pakistani soldiers, wounded 30, and destroyed 20 outposts, asserting their readiness to deliver a “strong response” to any further violations. Residents in border villages reported heavy artillery exchanges and evacuations, with unverified social media posts alleging a Pakistani aircraft was downed, though no official confirmation has emerged.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi countered, labeling the Afghan strikes “unprovoked” and a “blatant violation of international laws” for allegedly targeting civilians. He vowed a robust response, stating Pakistan answered “stones with bricks,” while the military’s Inter-Services Public Relations claimed 23 Pakistani troops were martyred but reported over 200 Taliban fighters and terrorists killed, alongside the destruction of several militant camps. The roots of the conflict lie in mutual grievances: Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of sheltering Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, responsible for a surge in attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Kabul alleges Pakistani airstrikes, including drone incursions on October 11 in Kunar and Nangarhar, provoked the retaliation. The Centre for Research and Security Studies notes that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accounted for 71% of Pakistan’s Q3 2025 violence fatalities, underscoring the TTP’s growing threat.

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The closure of Torkham and other crossings has triggered immediate economic fallout, stranding thousands of trucks carrying essentials like wheat, fuel, and perishables. Afghan traders estimate daily losses of $500,000, with Pakistan facing supply chain disruptions ahead of Ramadan, when import demands spike. The violence follows a pattern of 2025 incidents, including January mortar exchanges and March clashes at Torkham that killed an Afghan soldier. Saudi Arabia’s recent defense pact with Pakistan and India’s expanding ties with the Taliban add geopolitical complexity, with both nations urging restraint. Muttaqi emphasized Afghanistan’s preference for dialogue, stating, “All disputes must be resolved by dialogue,” but warned, “If someone isn’t agreeable, we have other ways as well.” This veiled threat, coupled with the Taliban’s claim of military readiness, raises fears of a broader conflict.

With borders locked and both nations trading accusations, the fragile ceasefire hangs by a thread. The Durand Line, a 2,611-kilometer colonial relic Afghanistan rejects, remains a flashpoint, with historical grievances fueling modern hostilities. The international community, including the UN and regional powers, faces mounting pressure to mediate as trade disruptions threaten food security and inflation in both nations. For now, the sealed crossings and heightened military presence signal a perilous stalemate, with Muttaqi’s ominous words echoing as a reminder of the region’s volatility. Unless diplomacy prevails, South Asia’s fraught frontier risks spiraling into a deeper, more devastating conflict.

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