KHYBER: The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan was reopened on Friday after 20 days of closure, but only to facilitate the deportation of undocumented Afghan nationals, officials confirmed.
Hundreds of Afghan refugees have gathered at the Torkham Immigration Center, where officials are processing their documents before allowing them to cross into Afghanistan. However, trade and pedestrian movement across the border remain suspended.
Read More: Torkham, Chaman border crossings remain closed for trade
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Khyber Bilal Shahid stated that the border’s reopening was limited strictly to the expulsion of illegal Afghan residents. “The Torkham crossing has been opened solely for the deportation process. Trade and public movement will remain closed until further notice,” he clarified. The key border point was sealed on October 11 following heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, disrupting trade and travel between the two countries.
According to UNHCR spokesperson Qaiser Khan Afridi, as of October 8, around 615,000 undocumented Afghan citizens had already been deported through the Torkham crossing under Pakistan’s ongoing repatriation drive.
Read More: Chaman, Torkham borders shut as Pak-Afghan tensions escalate
Authorities said deportations are being carried out in a phased and organized manner, with immigration and security personnel ensuring smooth processing at the border.