PESHAWAR: The process of returning Afghan nationals through the Torkham border in Khyber District resumed on Wednesday after being suspended on February 26 due to rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The border had remained closed for nearly a month, affecting not only the movement of Afghan nationals but also trade between the two countries.
Under the supervision of immigration authorities, 705 people from 223 families were repatriated. This included 90 people from 21 families holding Afghan Citizen Cards, 294 people from 82 families with Proof of Registration cards, and 321 people from 120 families living in Pakistan illegally.
The group consisted of 223 men, 127 women, and 355 children. All underwent complete immigration and security checks before being sent back to Afghanistan.
Following successful talks between Pakistani and Afghan security authorities, the border was partially reopened, allowing Afghan citizens to return home. Immigration officials told The Express Tribune that the repatriation process will continue in a phased and organised manner to avoid security risks or disorder.
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Bilateral trade, however, which has been suspended since October 12, 2025, remains halted. Further negotiations are expected to restore commercial activity.
Authorities emphasized that the return of Afghan nationals will be conducted systematically to ensure safety, maintain order, and track all repatriations effectively.
Pakistan launched a nationwide campaign against illegal Afghan immigrants in 2023, arresting and sending back thousands.
The latest border clashes began in late February following a series of deadly attacks across Pakistan by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists. Islamabad has accused Afghanistan of sheltering the militants and failing to act against them, while Kabul denies the claims.
The clashes followed airstrikes by the Pakistani military targeting alleged TTP hideouts inside Afghanistan. According to Kabul, the strikes killed dozens of civilians, whereas Islamabad claimed over 600 TTP terrorists were killed.
The two sides had agreed to a week-long ceasefire on the eve of Eidul Fitr on March 18 after requests from Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Pakistan and Afghanistan share 18 border crossings, the busiest being Torkham and Chaman in Balochistan province.