KHYBER: Pakistan reopened the Torkham border on Tuesday to resume the repatriation of undocumented Afghans.
The border, which connects Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, had stayed closed for almost a month after Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq. Officials briefly opened it last Thursday, but they suspended the process after just 12 hours. A Pakistani security official was injured in firing from the Afghan side.
Both Sides Agree to Resume Process
Afghan authorities later regretted the incident after Pakistan lodged a strong protest. On Tuesday, security officials from both countries held meetings in the morning and evening. They agreed on a clear mechanism to ensure safe and smooth repatriation.
The first group of around 220 Afghans returned home at 11am. Lt Col Waqas and Major Hafiz Asadullah supervised the entire process.
In a positive development, border security officials from both sides met each other and shared soft drinks. This marked the first friendly interaction between them since October 12 last year, when clashes led to the complete closure of the border for trade.
Transporters Stage Protest
Meanwhile, transporters held a demonstration in Landi Kotal. They demanded immediate steps for the safe return of their vehicles and drivers stuck in Afghanistan.
The protesters said nearly 2,000 vehicles and 1,500 drivers have remained stranded since the border closed on October 12. The long delay has caused them heavy financial losses and mental stress for their families.
Officials hope the new agreement will prevent future violations and allow the repatriation process to continue without interruption.
