Return of Afghan nationals via Torkham resumes after nearly a month | The Express Tribune
Total of 705 people from 223 families repatriated, including Afghan Citizen Card and Proof of Registration holders
People stand next to parked trucks loaded with supplies at the Torkham border crossing following a clash between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Photo: Reuters
PESHAWAR:
The process of returning Afghan nationals via the Torkham border crossing in Khyber District resumed on Wednesday, following a suspension that began on February 26 due to heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The Torkham border had remained closed for nearly a month, disrupting not only the movement of Afghan nationals but also bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Under the supervision of immigration authorities, a total of 705 individuals from 223 families were repatriated, including 90 individuals from 21 Afghan Citizen Card holder families, 294 individuals from 82 Proof of Registration card holder families, and 321 individuals from 120 families residing illegally.
The group comprised 223 men, 127 women, and 355 children, all of whom underwent full immigration and security procedures before being sent back to Afghanistan.
Read: Naqvi directs NADRA to aid law enforcement in deportation of illegal immigrants
Following successful negotiations between Pakistani and Afghan security authorities, the border was partially reopened, allowing Afghan citizens to return home. Immigration officials told The Express Tribune that the repatriation process will continue in a phased and organised manner to avoid security risks or disorder.
However, bilateral trade, suspended since October 12, 2025, remains halted, and further negotiations are expected to restore commercial activity.
The authorities stressed that the return of Afghan nationals will be conducted systematically to ensure safety, maintain order, and track all repatriations effectively.
Pakistan launched a nationwide campaign against illegal Afghan immigrants in 2023, arresting and repatriating thousands.
Read more: Govt reopens key Torkham border crossing with Afghanistan
The latest round of border clashes began in late February, following a series of deadly attacks across Pakistan by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists. Islamabad has accused Afghanistan of sheltering them and failing to take action against them, while Kabul denies the allegations.
It followed airstrikes from the Pakistani military targeting alleged TTP hideouts inside Afghanistan.
According to Kabul, the airstrikes killed dozens of civilians, whereas Islamabad claimed over 600 TTP terrorists were killed in the strikes.
The two sides had agreed to a week-long ceasefire on the eve of Eidul Fitr on March 18, following requests from Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Pakistan and Afghanistan share 18 border crossing points, the busiest of which are Torkham and Chaman in Balochistan province.
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