TORKHAM: The massive fire broke out in a commercial market located near the Torkham border on the Afghan side, destroying more than 150 shops and causing heavy financial losses to traders, according to local sources.
The incident occurred at around 4:00 a.m., when flames suddenly erupted in several sections of the market situated close to the busy border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Initial estimates suggest that traders have suffered losses of nearly 300 million Afghanis as a result of the devastating blaze. The affected market was considered one of the important trading points in the area, with a wide range of goods stored in the shops.
However, security sources on the Pakistani side strongly rejected the allegation, describing it as unfounded and misleading.
The market where the fire occurred is located within Afghan territory, raising questions about how Pakistani forces could allegedly cross the border and set fire to a marketplace.
They focused on that the claim does not correspond with ground realities. Meanwhile, some local traders stated that armed Taliban personnel were seen moving in the area shortly before the fire broke out.
They also indicated that blaming Pakistan could be an attempt to create tension along the border or divert attention from possible internal issues.
The Torkham border crossing is one of the busiest trade routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, facilitating significant commercial activity and movement of goods.
