TORKHAM: Pakistan on Saturday reopened the Torkham border crossing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, allowing the return of Afghan refugees to their homeland after a nearly two-week closure that followed deadly clashes between border forces of the two countries last month.
According to officials, the repatriation process, which had been suspended on October 11 after the border skirmishes, has now resumed under strict legal and administrative protocols. Every individual’s documents are being verified before crossing into Afghanistan. The Khyber Deputy Commissioner, Bilal Rao, confirmed the reopening, saying that the move aimed to facilitate the dignified and orderly return of Afghan nationals.
Meanwhile, authorities reported that nearly 10,700 individuals crossed through the Chaman border in a single day as the process was expanded to that crossing as well. Officials said the Frontier Corps and civil administration have established temporary shelters, food supplies, and medical camps to assist departing families.
The border clashes, which began earlier in October, prompted Pakistan to close all crossings with Afghanistan for trade and travel. The shutdown left thousands of families stranded and disrupted bilateral trade, driving up the prices of essential goods—especially perishable items like tomatoes—in local markets.
Although Islamabad and Kabul agreed on Friday to extend the ceasefire, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the border remains closed for trade until the security situation improves.
According to official data, around 1.56 million Afghan nationals have so far returned to Afghanistan as part of the government’s ongoing repatriation campaign. Pakistani and Afghan officials, including Khizer Shah, spokesperson for the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul, confirmed the resumption of movement at Torkham.
Authorities assured that all humanitarian needs of the refugees—including food, medical aid, and temporary shelter—are being met to ensure a safe and organized transition for those returning home.
