Hundreds of people in the desert towns near the Pakistan‑Afghanistan border have fled for safety after a sudden flare‑up of violence killed and wounded dozens.
The clash began early Tuesday when Pakistani security forces detected a small group of Afghan fighters moving north of the Loralai district border outpost. Both sides opened fire on the same day, and artillery shells ricocheted into the surrounding villages. Local witnesses say the shelling ripped roofs off homes and left several residents badly injured.
Sources inside the Pakistani army say at least 42 people have been killed so far, with more than 70 wounded. Afghan officials claim a similar toll on their side, though exact numbers are not yet confirmed. The fighting has also prompted a temporary closure of the main Loralai‑Kandahar crossing, a vital trade route that carries goods between the two nations.
Prime Minister Imran Khan urged calm and said the army would “take all necessary steps to protect citizens.” Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said the Afghan government would cooperate with Pakistan to secure the border, but warned that “the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan should not be taken for granted.”
International observers are monitoring the situation closely. The United Nations has asked both governments to open dialogue and restore normal trade flow. The border closure is expected to last until both sides can agree on a secure perimeter and a strategy to deter future skirmishes.
The growing tensions come at a time when the Central Asian region is trying to rebuild trade ties after years of conflict. Residents on both sides feel the economic pinch as market stalls close and farmers cannot move their livestock across the fence. The hope is that diplomatic talks can prevent further casualties and reopen the border peacefully, restoring a lifeline for millions of trade‑dependent families.
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