FC soldier injured by fire from Afghanistan during repatriation of Afghan citizens
Pakistan has not suspended the Afghanistan transit trade agreement, but it did not process goods clearance due to the closure of borders to avoid congestion at the Chaman and Torkham borders, senior Pakistan Customs officials said. Photo: Reuters
SHELTER:
The Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing at Torkham, which was briefly reopened after nearly a month to facilitate the deportation of undocumented Afghan nationals, was closed again following a cross-border firing incident that left a Frontier Corps (FC) soldier injured.
Officials said the crossing was opened on Wednesday to repatriate Afghan nationals detained under Section 14 of the Aliens Act because they lack valid documentation. In the initial phase, around 292 Afghan nationals were sent back to Afghanistan.
However, the process was interrupted when firing was reported from the Afghan side, resulting in serious injuries to one FC personnel. In response, authorities immediately closed the intersection and withdrew deployed personnel due to safety concerns.
Sources said arrangements at a temporary holding camp in Landi Kotal had been completed to facilitate the repatriation process and further deportations of illegally staying Afghan nationals were expected. However, the operation has been suspended following the latest incident.
The Torkham border has been closed since February 24 due to tensions and periodic clashes between Pakistani security forces and the operatives of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.
A similar escalation was witnessed on October 11, 2025, when armed clashes broke out at several points along the border, leading to a suspension of bilateral trade and a complete halt to cross-border movement.
Officials maintained that efforts are underway to resume the repatriation process, but any decision to reopen the crossing will depend on the prevailing security situation.
