Border Reopens After 20 Days, But Trade Remains Suspended
The Pakistan-Afghanistan Torkham border, one of the busiest crossings between the two countries, has been partially reopened after remaining closed for nearly 20 days, officials confirmed on Saturday. However, the reopening is strictly limited to the repatriation of undocumented Afghan refugees, while all trade and pedestrian movement across the border remains suspended until further notice.
According to Khyber Deputy Commissioner Bilal Shahid, the government decided to reopen the crossing to expedite the ongoing process of deporting illegal Afghan residents from Pakistan. He clarified that only individuals lacking valid documentation are being permitted to cross into Afghanistan, following formal verification procedures.
“The border crossing will remain closed for trade and pedestrian movement until further orders,” Shahid said, emphasizing that the limited reopening is solely aimed at facilitating the orderly and safe return of Afghans residing in Pakistan without legal status.
Hundreds Await Processing at Torkham Centre
Hundreds of Afghan nationals have gathered at the Torkham repatriation centre, where Pakistani authorities are processing exit documentation and conducting biometric verification before allowing them to enter Afghanistan. Officials at the site said the process is being carried out under strict administrative and security oversight to ensure smooth coordination between Pakistani and Afghan border officials.
The Torkham border had been closed earlier this month amid heightened tensions over Islamabad’s deadline for the expulsion of illegal immigrants, most of whom are Afghans. The border shutdown had also disrupted bilateral trade and the movement of goods, affecting transporters and traders on both sides.
While authorities have not provided a specific timeline for the full reopening of trade and travel, officials indicated that discussions with Afghan counterparts are ongoing to restore normal operations once security and administrative conditions improve.
