Torkham Border Reopens for Afghan Repatriation Efforts

The Torkham border crossing has reopened, allowing the repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals after a temporary suspension due to security tensions. This decision follows coordinated efforts between Pakistani and Afghan officials.

KHYBER: The Torkham border crossing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was reopened on Tuesday, allowing the repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals to resume after a temporary suspension caused by security tensions.

The crossing, which links Pakistan with Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, had briefly reopened last week following a month-long closure triggered by the launch of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq. However, the process was halted within hours after a Pakistani security official was injured in firing from the Afghan side.

Officials said Afghan authorities later expressed regret over the incident and requested Pakistan to resume the repatriation process. After reviewing the security situation, Pakistani authorities directed relevant departments to restart the implementation of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) from March 31.

The decision to reopen the border came after multiple meetings between security officials from both sides, during which they agreed on a coordinated mechanism to ensure the safe and orderly return of Afghan nationals. Officials noted that earlier violations had delayed the process, but recent flag meetings helped restore calm in the border area.

On Tuesday, the first group of approximately 220 Afghan nationals was successfully repatriated. The process was supervised by senior officials, including Wing Commander Officer of 146 Wing Lt Col Waqas and Torkham Terminal Officer-in-Charge Major Hafiz Asadullah.

In a positive development, border officials from both countries were seen interacting cordially and exchanging refreshments, reflecting improving coordination and goodwill. This marked their first such engagement since October last year, when the crossing was shut following clashes.

Meanwhile, transporters staged a protest in Landi Kotal, demanding arrangements for the return of their vehicles and drivers stranded in Afghanistan since October. They said nearly 2,000 vehicles and 1,500 drivers remain stuck, causing significant financial losses and distress to families.