Pakistani troops on high alert as Afghanistan conflict shuts key trade routes

Pakistani troops remained on high alert along the country’s 2,600-kilometre (1,600-mile) border with Afghanistan on October 13 following intense weekend fighting that left dozens dead and drew international attention, including from U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed willingness to help mediate the conflict.

The clashes, which began late at night on October 11, represent the deadliest confrontation between Pakistan and Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021. The fighting erupted after Islamabad demanded that the Taliban take action against militants operating from Afghan territory who have carried out attacks in Pakistan. The Taliban, however, denied that Pakistani militants are present on Afghan soil.

In response to the violence, Pakistan closed all border crossings, halting trade and stranding dozens of loaded goods vehicles on both sides. “All entry points are closed since Saturday following unprovoked attacks by the Afghan Taliban forces,” a senior Pakistani security official told Reuters. A second official added that a few small-arms exchanges occurred on Sunday night, but overall, the situation remained calm.

The border closures have brought significant disruption to trade and logistics. “Loaded vehicles, including containers and trucks, are stuck on both sides of the border,” said Zia Ul Haq Sarhadi, senior vice president of the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “Besides fresh fruit and vegetables, they are carrying imports, exports, and transit trade goods, causing millions of rupees in losses to both countries and traders.”

The escalation drew the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump, who commented aboard Air Force One on Sunday. “I hear there’s a war now going on between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” Trump said. “I said, I’ll have to wait till I get back. You know, I’m doing another one, because I’m good at solving wars, I’m good at making peace.”

Earlier, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that Pakistani retaliatory strikes against terrorist formations on the territory of Afghanistan are defensive in nature and are not directed against civilians.

Diplomatic efforts are already underway. Kabul announced on October 12 that it had halted attacks following requests from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, signalling a temporary de-escalation in the conflict.

By Tamilla Hasanova