Trade and pedestrian movement remain suspended amid ongoing border restrictions.

ISLAMABAD, November 1, 2025: Pakistan has officially reopened the Torkham border crossing on Saturday, marking the start of a large-scale repatriation operation for illegal Afghan citizens living in the country.

According to official sources, hundreds of undocumented Afghans have already gathered at the Torkham immigration point in Khyber district to return voluntarily to Afghanistan under the government’s repatriation plan.

The decision comes after weeks of closure following heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan over security and border management issues.

Repatriation Only: No Trade or Travel Allowed

Officials clarified that the Torkham crossing has been opened exclusively for repatriation purposes and will remain closed for trade and regular pedestrian movement.

“The border reopening is limited strictly to facilitate the return of illegal Afghan nationals. Trade and public crossings remain suspended,” sources confirmed.

The crossing had been sealed since October 11, halting all forms of movement between the two sides. Its temporary reopening now serves as part of the federal government’s directive to implement the ongoing nationwide deportation of undocumented foreign residents.

Decision Aimed at Controlled and Orderly Returns

Authorities stated that the reopening was coordinated between federal security agencies and border management officials to ensure an organized and lawful return process.

The Interior Ministry earlier directed provincial administrations to expedite the return of foreign nationals residing illegally in Pakistan. The move is part of Islamabad’s broader campaign to strengthen border regulation and national security, particularly in areas adjacent to Afghanistan.

Chaman Border Still Closed on 21st Day

Meanwhile, the Chaman border crossing in Balochistan remains closed for the 21st consecutive day, causing significant disruptions to trade and humanitarian movement.

The prolonged closure has halted bilateral trade and severely affected local economies dependent on cross-border commerce. Truck convoys and goods containers continue to remain stranded on both sides of the frontier.

Officials say negotiations to resume normal activity are ongoing but have so far yielded no breakthrough.

Rising Border Tensions and Humanitarian Concerns

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have intensified in recent weeks following border skirmishes, security incidents, and disagreements over the repatriation of Afghan nationals.

Humanitarian groups have voiced concern over the situation, urging both sides to coordinate safe and dignified returns while maintaining essential trade flows.

Analysts warn that extended closures at key crossings like Torkham and Chaman could exacerbate economic pressure and strain already fragile cross-border relations.

A Step Toward Policy Enforcement

The reopening of Torkham for repatriation marks the first major operational phase of Pakistan’s policy to remove undocumented foreign nationals.
Officials have reiterated that the drive targets only those without valid legal status, ensuring lawful residents and registered refugees are unaffected.

As the repatriation effort continues, authorities expect the process to expand to other regions in the coming weeks under close federal supervision.