A total of 705 people from 223 families repatriated, including Afghan citizen card and registration certificate holders
People stand next to parked trucks filled with supplies at the border crossing in Torkham after 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 after 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 people from 223 families were repatriated, including 90 people from 21 families of Afghan citizen card holders, 294 people from 82 families of card holders with proof of registration, and 321 people from 120 families who are staying illegally.
The group included 223 men, 127 women and 355 children, all of whom went through full immigration and security procedures before being sent back to Afghanistan.
Read: Naqvi directs NADRA to assist law enforcement in deporting illegal immigrants
After successful negotiations between Pakistani and Afghan security authorities, the border was partially reopened, allowing Afghan citizens to return home. That’s what the immigration authorities told Express Pakinomist that the repatriation process will proceed in a phased and organized 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 emphasized that repatriation of Afghan nationals will be carried out systematically to ensure security, maintain order and track all repatriations effectively.
Pakistan launched a nationwide campaign against illegal Afghan immigrants in 2023, arresting and repatriating thousands.
Read more: The government reopens the central Torkham border crossing to 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 protecting them and failing to act against them, while Kabul denies the accusations.
It followed airstrikes by the Pakistani military targeting alleged TTP hideouts in Afghanistan.
According to Kabul, the airstrikes killed dozens of civilians, while Islamabad claimed that over 600 TTP terrorists were killed in the attacks.
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.
