Officials say the closure of border crossings for bilateral trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan has extended into a second day after deadly weekend clashes spiked tensions.

The blackout has affected essentially all wireless internet connections, mobile internet, and telephone services. News outlets have reported disruptions to banking services, hospitals, businesses, government offices, news organizations, education, airports, and visa issuances in a country of roughly 43 million people.

A telecommunications blackout and restrictions on social media have further isolated Afghans who rely on the internet as a lifeline.

Border clashes over the weekend between Afghanistan and Pakistan led to the deaths of dozens of soldiers, the most serious clash between the two countries since the Taliban seized power in Kabul in 2021,

Afghanistan will aim to avenge a washout in the T20I series with at tit-for-tit scoreline in the ODI series as they face Bangladesh in the third ODI at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.<br /><br />Afghanistan are leading the three-match series by a 2-0 margin after winning the first ODI by a five-wicket margin with 17 balls to spare.

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi chose to bat first against Bangladesh in the third ODI in Abu Dhabi. Afghanistan have already clinched the ODI series after winning the first two matches - by five wickets and 81 runs, respectively.

The Indian Industry representatives highlighted that the visa remains a severe bottleneck and needs to be resolved immediately for smoother movement of businessmen from both sides.

Afghanistan's reported rejection of visa requests from Pakistan's top defence officials marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the two neighbours amid ongoing border clashes and deepening diplomatic mistrust.