KALASH, District Chitral, Pakistan — On September 6, 2023, a brazen and heavily armed terrorist group launched a daring assault on two Pakistani military posts located perilously close to the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in the picturesque district of Kalash, Chitral. The audacious attack sent shockwaves through the region, highlighting the ever-present security challenges that continue to loom over this volatile borderland.
Intelligence agencies had been closely monitoring the movement and gathering of militants in the Gawardesh, Pitigal, Barg-e-Matel, and Batash areas of Nuristan and Kunar provinces in Afghanistan. Timely information was relayed to the Interim Afghan Government, raising alarm about the imminent threat brewing on their soil.
In response to the heightened threat environment, Pakistani military posts were already on high alert, with valiant soldiers prepared to defend their positions at all costs. The ensuing battle was fierce, as these courageous soldiers engaged the attackers and succeeded in repelling the assault. The terrorists suffered significant casualties during the exchange of fire, with twelve confirmed dead and numerous others critically injured.
Regrettably, this valorous defense came at a heavy cost, as four Pakistani soldiers lost their lives.
Efforts to sanitize the area are currently underway to eliminate any lingering terrorist presence, ensuring the safety and security of the region’s inhabitants.
This alarming incident has brought to the forefront the geostrategic importance of Chitral, which is the largest district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Nestled along the border with Afghanistan, particularly the Wakhan Corridor, Chitral plays a pivotal role in facilitating Pakistan’s access to Tajikistan via this strategic route.
Chitral’s significance extends beyond its geopolitical location. The district is set to witness a surge in development projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These ambitious initiatives encompass the establishment of mineral zones, a special economic zone, and the construction of the Gilgit-Shandur-Chitral-Chakdara highway. These projects are poised to generate employment opportunities for the local populace, heralding economic prosperity for Chitral Valley.
Notably, Chitral will be a focal point for antimony extraction as part of CPEC’s extensive mineral ventures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The development of CPEC-linked infrastructure promises not only economic growth for Chitral but also strengthened connectivity. One such critical project is the Chitral CPEC link road, which will connect Gilgit and Chakdara via Shandur and Chitral. This strategic thoroughfare will not only bolster trade but also enhance transportation efficiency, serving as a more time-effective alternative to the traditional #Karakoram Highway.
The unique geographic position of Chitral, linking Afghanistan to the west, Tajikistan to the north through the Wakhan Corridor, Gilgit-Baltistan to the east, and the Upper Dir district to the south, underscores its pivotal role in regional connectivity and commerce.
Regrettably, it is precisely this economic potential that has attracted the attention of extremist elements, such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Their recent assault on Chitral demonstrates a grave security threat that not only endangers the CPEC projects but also the stability of neighboring areas, including China and Tajikistan.
As the security situation in Chitral remains a cause for concern, the Pakistani authorities, along with their Afghan counterparts, must remain vigilant in safeguarding this vital corridor for regional development and prosperity. The events of September 6, 2023, serve as a stark reminder of the enduring challenges that persist in this complex and geopolitically significant borderland.
Af-Pak border clash
Tensions flared at the Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan as gunfire erupted, leading to the closure of the primary trade and transit point connecting the two nations. Officials, speaking on Wednesday, confirmed the exchange of fire but offered no official statements on the cause of the skirmish.
Privately, officials disclosed that the clash was triggered by Afghanistan’s unilateral construction of a border post without seeking prior approval from Pakistan, a direct violation of the bilateral understanding in place. No casualties have been reported from either side.
The exchange of fire had an immediate impact, effectively shutting down the critical border crossing. Videos shared on social media captured people scrambling for cover as the echoes of gunfire reverberated in the background.
The closure had a cascading effect, stranding hundreds of trucks carrying goods on both sides of the border. In response to the incident, both countries activated their bilateral mechanism to defuse tensions.
This incident is not the first time the Torkham border has been shuttered due to clashes. In the past, similar confrontations have occurred, resulting in casualties. The current silence from both sides regarding the incident suggests an attempt to downplay the situation.
Local residents near the Torkham crossing reported hearing gunfire and witnessing people fleeing the bustling border area near the historic Khyber Pass once the shooting commenced. Security sources in the region, speaking anonymously, indicated that both Taliban and Pakistani forces were involved in the exchange but emphasized that there were no casualties at the time of their statements.
Requests for comments from the local government in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, where the Torkham crossing is situated, and Pakistan’s Foreign Office remained unanswered as of now.
Disputes related to the 2,600-kilometer (1,615-mile) border have long strained relations between the neighboring countries. The Torkham crossing, in particular, has faced multiple closures in recent years, including a prolonged shutdown in February that left thousands of trucks laden with goods stranded on either side of the border for an extended period.
September 7, 2023
Source: Rewritten from reports in Dawn, Express Tribune, ISPR.