Hundreds of Pakistani drivers and conductors stranded in Afghanistan return home as Afghan repatriations accelerate
KHYBER:
Hundreds of Pakistani truckers and drivers stranded in Afghanistan for almost nine months have finally started returning home, as authorities on both sides of the border continue to accelerate the repatriation of Afghan citizens from Pakistan.
These two events have transformed the Torkham crossing into a scene of emotional meetings, administrative urgency and renewed debate on migration, trade and humanitarian responsibilities.
For Pakistani pilot Humayun Shinwari, the moment he returned to Pakistan on Sunday marked the end of a painful chapter. Overwhelmed by emotion, he prostrated himself in gratitude upon setting foot in his homeland after months of uncertainty.
“We waited nine months,” Shinwari told reporters. “Our vehicles were parked for so long that they began to deteriorate. We had no proper facilities or assistance. Many drivers were forced to sell or return their cargo just to survive.”
Shinwari is among nearly 600 Pakistani drivers and conductors who were stranded in Afghanistan after the Torkham border crossing was abruptly closed in September 2025 amid heightened tensions and security concerns.
The prolonged closure disrupted cross-border trade, halted the movement of goods and passengers and left hundreds of transport workers stranded far from their families.
For many of them, the financial impact has been devastating.
Truck owners suffered heavy losses as vehicles sat idle for months while drivers struggled to keep their families at home. Local businesses in border areas, which rely heavily on commercial activity, also faced severe economic setbacks.
The return of the stranded Pakistanis comes after weeks of diplomatic engagement and coordination between Pakistani and Afghan authorities.
Maulana Ijaz Shinwari, district leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), confirmed that the repatriation process had formally begun.
“The return of stranded Pakistani trucks, drivers and conductors is underway and we hope all of them reach home soon,” he said. He noted that the border closure had caused significant losses to bilateral trade and negatively affected the regional economy.
“The suspension of border operations not only affected trade; it also created a humanitarian crisis,” he said. “Poverty and unemployment increased dramatically in border communities, affecting thousands of families.”
According to local officials, the immediate priority is to ensure the safe return of all stranded Pakistanis, after which authorities are expected to announce a roadmap for the gradual restoration of trade and border operations.
Torkham serves as one of the most important trade corridors between Pakistan and Afghanistan, facilitating the movement of goods worth billions of dollars annually. Any disruption to operations at the crossing impacts supply chains and local economies on both sides of the border.
As Pakistani transport workers celebrate their return, the border is simultaneously witnessing a significant increase in the movement of Afghan nationals returning to Afghanistan.
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has directed all relevant departments to expedite the repatriation process and complete pending operations in the next 30 to 45 days.
Special Assistant to Chief Minister for Home Affairs Tariq Saeed Marwat said temporary transit camps remain operational in Peshawar, Charsadda, Kohat and Hangu to facilitate the return of Afghan families.
“We have reviewed all pending issues related to visas and stays of Afghan citizens,” Marwat said. “The dignity, self-respect and fundamental rights of those who return will be protected throughout the process.”
According to the latest data released jointly by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 2.5 million Afghan citizens returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan between September 15, 2023 and June 13, 2026.
The report states that 2,500,712 Afghans returned during the period, including 1,912,939 individuals who left voluntarily or for other reasons, 334,929 who returned under the UN voluntary repatriation program and 252,844 who were deported.
The pace of repatriations has increased significantly in recent weeks.
Between June 7 and June 13 alone, 28,285 Afghan nationals crossed into Afghanistan through the Torkham, Ghulam Khan, Chaman, Badini and Bahramcha border crossings.
The figures represent an 11 percent increase in overall returns and a 22 percent increase in deportations compared to the previous week.
