Pakistan has reopened the Torkham border crossing, but only for Afghan refugees returning to Afghanistan. Officials from both Pakistan and Afghanistan confirmed the decision on Saturday. The border had remained closed for weeks following clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani border troops in mid-October.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, cargo trucks and regular travelers are still not allowed to cross. Spokesperson Tahir Andarabi said the restriction will remain until the security situation improves. Thousands of vehicles had been stranded on both sides of the border since the closure, creating a humanitarian crisis.
Read more: Afghans stranded at various locations in Khyber as Torkham
Khyber District Deputy Commissioner Bilal Rao confirmed the reopening early Saturday morning. Afghan officials also welcomed the decision. Qureshi Badloon, head of information in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, said the gate is now open for refugees, and Afghan authorities are receiving their citizens warmly.
Earlier, Afghan Consul General in Peshawar, Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir, had expressed concern over the refugees’ suffering. He said thousands were stranded on the roadside in poor conditions, lacking food, water, and shelter. Many had left their camps hoping to return home but were forced to live under open skies for over two weeks.
Read more: Chaman, Torkham borders shut as Pak-Afghan tensions escalate
The Afghan Consulate said it had contacted Pakistani authorities and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) but received little support. Shakir urged Pakistan to continue allowing refugees safe passage and provide basic assistance. Meanwhile, Pakistan maintains that trade through Torkham will resume only after a full security review.