Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing overwhelmed as Afghans face expulsion
ReutersNov 02, 2023
The Facts
The Torkham crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been closed following the exchange of fire by security forces by both countries on Wednesday, according to officials.
Security officials speaking on the condition of anonymity told Reuters that there were no deaths, while local residents reported the sounds of gunfire in the border area near the Khyber Pass.
The Spin
Narrative A
Pakistan has found itself within a cauldron of complex and intricate security threats, undermined by both domestic terrorists and the foreign administrations that support their progress. Afghanistan poses serious questions against Islamabad, which continues to suffer regularly from sectarian and militant killings internally. Pakistan must rethink and reform its defense strategy.
Narrative B
Pakistan continues to portray itself as the victim of Afghan-led aggression, but in reality, the state continues to engage in border hostility in an unsuccessful attempt to bully Kabul into being subservient to Islamabad's strategic interests. The reactive behavior of Afghan forces, as well as that of the TTP, are a consequence of Pakistan's failed regional policies and a continued conflict-focused mindset.