Echoes Of Shelling Drive Thousands From Homes Along The Pakistanafghanistan Border

(MENAFN- Tribal News Network)

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It was a Ramadan morning. The market had not fully opened yet, but Gul Zaman Khan had already arrived there to meet me. Lack of sleep was visible in his eyes, and worry was clearly reflected on his face. He was searching for temporary shelter for his family.

Gul Zaman Khan Haji (a pseudonym) belongs to the densely populated area of Barha Laghrai in Tehsil Loi Mamond, one of the last villages located along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border.

This village was once an example of peaceful life, but today continuous firing and shelling have forced its residents to abandon their own homes.

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Hundreds of families have been compelled to migrate. Some have taken refuge with relatives, while many others are wandering in search of temporary shelter.

Border Conflict and Civilians:

The tensions began on February 26 when Afghan Taliban forces allegedly opened fire into Pakistani territory. Pakistani forces responded by targeting Afghan positions. Since then, clashes have continued without pause.

From Bajaur to Chitral, thousands of civilians living along the border belt have been caught in the conflict. Artillery fire, mortar shells, and aerial strikes have turned the entire region into a battlefield.

Thousands of families from the tribal districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the eastern provinces of Afghanistan have been forced to leave their homes and move toward safer areas.

One Border, One Tribe:

From Chitral to Chaman, most of the people living on both sides of the Pakistan–Afghanistan border belong to the same tribes. Their families and relatives live across the border, which is why this conflict is not merely a border dispute but one that is dividing families and relationships.

According to local residents, border tensions have occurred in the past as well, but this time the situation is far more dangerous than before. The roaring sounds of fighter jets are instilling fear in the hearts of both children and adults.

The Village That Empties at Night:

According to Naqeebullah Mamond, a resident of Barha Laghrai, mortar shells and missiles often land without any warning, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty throughout the area.

He said that since the conflict began on the night of February 26, most of the village population has moved to other areas. At night, only a few individuals remain in the village, while the rest of the place presents the scene of ruins.

According to him, two people have been killed and six injured so far in the village. Several houses, the central mosque, and community guest houses (hujras) have also been damaged.

Displacement Even During Ramadan:

Dr. Khalil ur Rehman, a political leader from the conflict-affected area and Nazim-e-Aala of Nawagai subdivision, said that mortar shells and heavy artillery are landing in populated areas, causing civilian casualties.

He appealed to the governments of both countries to announce an immediate ceasefire in respect of the holy month of Ramadan. He said that both countries are Muslim, yet people living on both sides of the border are dying in this conflict.

Local elder Haji Syed Gul said that members of the Mamond tribe live on both sides of the border and share deep family ties, which is why the conflict is affecting people more deeply.

According to Malik Khalid Khan, a political leader and member of the peace jirga, people’s homes are only a few steps apart, yet due to tensions they cannot return to their houses even during Ramadan and are forced to seek refuge with relatives.

Schools Closed, Education System Paralyzed in Tribal Districts:

Due to the tense situation along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, dozens of government schools in Bajaur, Khyber, and Kurram have been closed for an indefinite period.

According to the district administration, 39 government schools in Bajaur have been shut down due to security concerns.

In Landi Kotal tehsil of Khyber district, an emergency situation has been declared due to border tensions, and all public and private educational institutions in Landi Kotal and Bazar Zakha Khel have been closed until further notice.

According to a letter issued by the Khyber Education Department, 15 schools in Bazar Zakha Khel and 14 in Landi Kotal have been closed as a precautionary measure, including eight girls’ schools.

Officials say these decisions were taken keeping the safety of students and teachers in mind, and the future course of action regarding the resumption of educational activities will be announced after reviewing the situation.

Fear of a Humanitarian Crisis:

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan has expressed concern over the cross-border clashes and called for an immediate ceasefire.

According to the UN, between February 26 and March 2, at least 146 civilian casualties were recorded in Afghanistan, including 42 deaths and 104 injuries.

Initial estimates suggest that nearly 16,400 households have been displaced in the affected areas, while limited access to humanitarian aid is also hampering relief efforts.

The ongoing tensions along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border are not merely a military conflict between two states but are turning into a humanitarian tragedy.

The real price of this war is being paid by ordinary people who neither understand politics nor military strategy.

For them, the greatest wish is simply that the echoes of gunpowder fall silent so they can return once again to their homes, fields, and villages.

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