Pakistan has reopened the Torkham border crossing in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, allowing Afghan refugees to return home after a closure of nearly two weeks due to deadly clashes between security forces last month.
Authorities also expanded the repatriation process through the Chaman border, where nearly 10,700 individuals crossed back into Afghanistan in a single day.
Repatriation efforts were suspended on October 11, following multiple days of cross-border hostilities. A ceasefire between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban administration was later formalised in Doha on October 19, paving the way for movement to resume. During the border shutdown, thousands of Afghan families waiting to return remained stranded, while bilateral trade also came to a halt, triggering price hikes of essential commodities — particularly vegetables such as tomatoes.
Although the ceasefire has been extended, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that trade through Torkham will remain suspended until the security situation allows its safe resumption. Officials confirmed that all relevant personnel were instructed to report for duty as the border reopened on Saturday. However, it has yet to be clarified whether Pakistanis stuck in Afghanistan will be permitted to return.
Government figures show that approximately 1.56 million Afghan nationals have now repatriated under the ongoing return initiative. Authorities say the process is being carried out with proper verification procedures and in a dignified manner.
Temporary shelters, food, and medical assistance have been arranged by the Frontier Corps and local administration to support families during their transition. Pakistani and Afghan officials have confirmed the reopening, marking a cautious step toward restoring controlled movement across the border as efforts to maintain peace continue.
Also Read Pakistan, Afghanistan Reach Ceasefire Agreement After Weeks of Border Clashes
