LANDI KOTEL, Oct 8: A large number of Afghan nationals were left stranded at Torkham when Taliban closed the border with Pakistan on Monday.

Officials in Torkham told Dawn that the Taliban forces had closed the checkpost to stop the entry of “unwanted elements”.

The border gate was opened at 10.35am, but only a few fruit-carrying vehicles were allowed to cross into Pakistan. Hundreds of people, including children and women, were stranded on both side of the border.

Pakistan border forces resorted to baton charge to disperse people.

Uneasy calm was prevailing in the border town. The border forces were in the state of high alert. Taliban border forces took positions near the border. Sources said that fresh contingents of Khyber Rifles had been deployed on this part of the Durand Line.