A total of 705 people from 223 families were repatriated, including holders of Afghan citizen cards and proof of registration.
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 through the Torkham border crossing in Khyber district resumed on Wednesday, after a suspension that began on February 26 due to rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The Torkham border had remained closed for almost a month, disrupting not only the movement of Afghan citizens 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 holding Afghan citizen cards, 294 people from 82 families holding proof of registration cards, and 321 people from 120 families residing illegally.
The group was made up of 223 men, 127 women and 355 children, all of whom underwent full immigration and security procedures before being sent back to Afghanistan.
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Following successful negotiations between Pakistani and Afghan security authorities, the border was partially reopened, allowing Afghan citizens to return to their homes. Immigration officials said The express PAkGazette that the repatriation process will continue in a staggered and organized manner to avoid security risks or disorders.
However, bilateral trade, suspended since October 12, 2025, remains stagnant and new negotiations are expected to restore commercial activity.
The authorities stressed that the return of Afghan nationals will be carried out systematically to ensure security, maintain order and effectively monitor all repatriations.
Pakistan launched a nationwide campaign against illegal Afghan migrants in 2023, arresting and repatriating thousands.
Read more: Government 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 harboring them and failing to take action against them, while Kabul denies the allegations.
It came after airstrikes by the Pakistani army against suspected TTP hideouts inside Afghanistan.
According to Kabul, the airstrikes killed dozens of civilians, while Islamabad claimed that more than 600 TTP terrorists were killed in the attacks.
The two sides 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 points, the busiest of which are Torkham and Chaman in Balochistan province.
