Torkham border partially reopens after 21 days of closure for Afghan deportations

PAKISTAN:

The Torkham border has been reopened for the deportation of Afghan nationals residing illegally in Pakistan.

The border remained completely closed since October 11 due to rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Deputy Commissioner Khyber Bilal Shahid said. However, it has now been partially reopened, after 21 days, solely to allow for the ongoing repatriation of Afghan nationals residing illegally in Pakistan.

Read: Explained: Pakistan-Afghanistan border conflict

Deputy Commissioner Shahid said no final decision has yet been taken on resumption of commercial activity or general cross-border movement, which he said will remain suspended until further notice.

Hundreds of Afghan nationals have arrived at the Torkham Immigration Centre, according to the district administration, where officials are completing their documentation before allowing them to cross into Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Qaiser Khan Afridi, spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, stated that a total of 615,000 undocumented Afghan citizens had been repatriated through Torkham until October 8, 2025.

Why was the border closed?

The suspension of cross-border activity and trade came after an exchange of gunfire late at night on October 11, when Afghan forces allegedly opened fire unprovoked on Pakistani border troops.

Read more: Border closures stop bilateral and transit trade

With Pakistan’s response, tensions between the neighboring countries peaked along the Chitral-Balochistan border.

As a result, the four major trading gates, including Torkham, Kharlachi, Ghulam Khan and Chaman, were closed indefinitely.

Pakistan and Afghan Taliban reach provisional agreement in Istanbul talks

Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have reached a provisional understanding after six days of high-level talks in Istanbul, aimed at preventing the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan and taking decisive action against the Indian-backed militant groups, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which Pakistani officials refer to as “Fitna al-Khawarij” and “Fitna al-Hindustan.”

The dialogue appeared to stall several times over the past week, with the Pakistani delegation even preparing to return home without making any progress. However, following requests from the host nations (Turkiye and Qatar) and a call from the Afghan Taliban delegation, Pakistan agreed to continue negotiations “to give peace another chance.”

Also read: Pakistan, Afghan Taliban reach tentative understanding in Istanbul talks

During Thursday’s session, both sides reached a provisional mutual understanding, the key points of which are outlined below:

1. All parties reaffirmed that the aim of the talks was to reinforce the ceasefire originally agreed in Doha.

2. Both sides committed to maintaining the ceasefire on the condition that Afghan territory is not used for terrorist attacks against Pakistan. The understanding also requires the Afghan Taliban to take “clear, verifiable and effective measures” against groups such as Fitna al Khwarij (TTP) and Fitna al Hindustan (BLA).

3. The next round of talks will be held in Istanbul on November 6 to finalize details and implementation mechanisms.

4. A joint monitoring and verification mechanism will be established to ensure compliance and impose sanctions on any party violating the agreement.

5. Turkiye and Qatar, acting as mediators and hosts, praised both sides for their participation and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting lasting peace and stability in the region.

During the talks, the Pakistani delegation maintained a firm, evidence-based stance, presenting its demands with “clarity, professionalism and logical coherence.” The final agreement was described as a “victory of reason and the national interest.”