The authorities in Pakistan closed a key border crossing with Afghanistan for the second day due to an exchange of fire between the border guards of the two countries, reports the Associated Press.

The Torkham border crossing is located north-east of Pakistan and is one of the key points for the movement of goods between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Armed clashes between the two sides started on Wednesday, 6 September, while similar incidents north of the country led to the death of four Pakistani soldiers and 12 militants.

According to Pakistani authorities, dozens of trucks transporting goods are currently stranded at the borders, unable to cross, with many carrying perishable items.

Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, director of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told Reuters, "The traders are suffering heavy losses after the border in Torkham was closed on Wednesday following a firing incident there."