Border Reopened for Deportations, Trade and Travel Remain Suspended
The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan was officially reopened on Friday after a 20-day closure. However, the reopening is limited to a specific purpose: facilitating the deportation of undocumented Afghan residents from Pakistan. This decision was confirmed by officials from both countries.
According to Deputy Commissioner (DC) Khyber Bilal Shahid, the border crossing has been opened exclusively for the expulsion of illegal Afghan nationals. All other activities, including trade and pedestrian movement, remain suspended. The DC emphasized that the border will continue to be closed for these purposes until further notice.
“Hundreds of Afghan refugees have arrived at the Torkham Immigration Center, where immigration authorities are completing the necessary procedures before allowing their departure to Afghanistan,” said DC Shahid. He added that the process involves verifying documents and ensuring compliance with the repatriation protocols set by the Pakistani government.
The Torkham border had been sealed on October 11 following heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The closure was part of a broader effort by Pakistan to manage the influx of undocumented Afghan citizens and to address concerns over national security and border control.
According to UNHCR spokesperson Qaiser Khan Afridi, as of October 8, more than 615,000 undocumented Afghan citizens had already been deported through the Torkham crossing under Pakistan’s ongoing repatriation drive. This number reflects the scale of the operation and the challenges faced by Afghan families seeking to return to their homeland.
Large numbers of Afghan families have since gathered at the border, awaiting processing to return to their homeland amid tightened border controls and documentation checks. The situation has created uncertainty and anxiety among many who are hoping to reunite with their families or restart their lives in Afghanistan.
Key Details of the Border Closure and Reopening
- The Torkham border crossing was reopened on Friday, but only for the purpose of deporting undocumented Afghan residents.
- Trade and pedestrian movement remain suspended until further notice.
- Immigration authorities are processing hundreds of Afghan refugees at the Torkham Immigration Center.
- The border was sealed on October 11 due to heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
- Over 615,000 undocumented Afghan citizens have been deported through Torkham as part of Pakistan’s repatriation efforts.
- Many Afghan families are waiting at the border for processing, facing challenges due to stricter documentation requirements.
The situation highlights the complex relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly in the context of migration and border management. As the repatriation process continues, the focus remains on ensuring that all procedures are followed while addressing the needs of those affected by the border restrictions.
For now, the Torkham border remains a critical point of entry and exit, with its operations closely monitored by both governments. The future of the border and its role in facilitating cross-border movement will likely depend on the evolving political and security dynamics between the two nations.