Shelling by Taliban Forces Damages Mosque at Torkham Border in Pakistan

The ongoing tension between the Taliban and Pakistan took a serious turn on March 2nd, 2025. Taliban forces shelled a mosque located on the Pakistani side of the Torkham border. This incident marks the latest chapter in the escalating conflict between the two nations, which has intensified recently. The Torkham border has become a focal point of military clashes, trade disruptions, and rising tensions. It is a crucial crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Background of the Torkham Border Conflict

Torkham serves as one of the leading trade crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is vital for both countries’ economic activities and daily trade exchanges. However, the border has been the site of multiple clashes between Afghan forces led by the Taliban and Pakistani troops. Tensions started escalating after Pakistan closed the border a few weeks ago over disputes related to border construction by the Taliban. Since then, skirmishes between both sides have become more frequent, culminating in the recent shelling incident.

Taliban Shelling Damages Mosque

On the night of March 2nd, 2025, mortar shells fired by Taliban forces caused significant damage to a mosque located on the Pakistani side of the Torkham border. According to local sources, the shells destroyed the mosque’s walls and interior. The mosque, a religious site for many, was struck during the ongoing exchange of gunfire between Taliban and Pakistani forces. Images from the scene show the extent of the destruction, with the walls and courtyard of the mosque in ruins.

The attack on the mosque comes after a series of intense clashes that began on Sunday night, March 2nd, and continued into the morning of March 3rd. The Taliban and Pakistani military forces were engaged in heavy fighting, using both light and heavy weaponry. The Taliban claimed that the Pakistani army fled the Torkham border post due to heavy casualties. This claim highlights the scale of the confrontation and the severe impact it has had on both sides.

Escalating Clashes and Casualties

The ongoing clashes between the Taliban and Pakistan have led to a significant loss of life and property. In the latest rounds of fighting, one Taliban fighter was reported killed, and two others were injured. Independent sources suggest the Taliban may have suffered more casualties, with at least three fighters believed to have been killed. The intense fighting at Torkham has disrupted trade and daily life for many people in the region.

Both sides have deployed heavy artillery and guns, causing widespread damage. The Taliban has repeatedly blamed Pakistan for the escalating violence, accusing them of violating previous agreements regarding border management and construction. On the other hand, Pakistan has accused the Taliban of using the Torkham border to send militants into its territory, further adding to the tensions.

The Dispute Over Border Control

The root cause of the recent clashes lies in a long-standing dispute between Afghanistan and Pakistan over control of the border region. The Taliban has constructed several new border posts and bunkers along the Torkham border, which Pakistan considers a violation of previous agreements. Pakistan sees the construction of these structures as a territorial infringement. This disagreement led to Pakistan closing the Torkham border crossing in early February 2025, triggering a series of military engagements.

The Taliban’s actions at Torkham are also tied to the larger geopolitical struggle between the two countries over the management of the Durand Line. This colonial-era border separates Afghanistan from Pakistan. The border, established in 1896 by the British, has been a contentious issue for decades, with both nations claiming parts of the line.

Economic Impact of the Torkham Closure

The closure of the Torkham border has had severe economic consequences for both countries. Trade operations, vital for both Pakistan's and Afghanistan's economies, have been halted. Export vehicles stuck at the Zero Point of the border have been turned around, causing significant financial losses for businesses on both sides. Pakistan is estimated to incur substantial daily losses due to the border closure.

The Taliban has expressed concerns about the negative impact on the Afghan economy, claiming that Pakistan is wrongly blaming them for the situation. The Taliban argues that the continued closure of the border will cause long-term harm to both countries. Economic losses from the closure are expected to continue unless both sides find a way to resolve the ongoing conflict.

The Role of the Taliban in Border Security

The Taliban has assumed complete control of several key border points between Afghanistan and Pakistan, including Torkham. The Taliban's increasing influence and control over these border areas have raised concerns in Islamabad. Pakistan views the Taliban's expansion as a direct challenge to its authority over the region. At the same time, the Taliban has defended its actions, claiming that it is simply fulfilling its duties as the governing authority of Afghanistan.

Despite the growing tensions, both sides have repeatedly called for dialogue to resolve the conflict. However, the violence at Torkham has only deepened mistrust between Afghanistan and Pakistan. As a result, the chances for immediate peace remain uncertain.