The border closures, in place since October 11, followed heavy clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces, the most serious since the Taliban regained power in 2021 after Islamabad accused Kabul of failing to curb militants operating from its territory. The border closures, in place since October 11, followed heavy clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces, the most serious since the Taliban regained power in 2021 after Islamabad accused Kabul of failing to curb militants operating from its territory.