Islamabad( The COW News Digital)The Torkham border crossing in Khyber District is set to reopen today exclusively for the return of Afghan citizens, officials confirmed. The move comes after a temporary closure of the border due to rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
According to Deputy Commissioner Khyber, Bilal Shahid Rao, immigration and customs personnel have been instructed to report for duty at 7:00 a.m. While the crossing will facilitate the return of Afghan nationals, bilateral trade through Torkham will remain suspended. The closure has affected trade and transit since October 20, when all movement across the border was halted.
Federal Information Minister, Ata Tarar, had earlier indicated that the decision to reopen the Pakistan-Afghanistan border for trade would be made at a later date, reflecting ongoing security and diplomatic concerns. “The border will first prioritize humanitarian movement, particularly the safe return of Afghan citizens,” he noted.
Torkham serves as a vital link between Pakistan and Afghanistan, facilitating both commercial and civilian transit. Its temporary closure disrupted cross-border travel, trade, and economic activity in border communities on both sides. Local authorities have emphasized that reopening the border for Afghan citizens will help alleviate humanitarian issues while maintaining security.
Security measures will remain in place at Torkham to monitor movement and ensure that the reopening proceeds smoothly. Immigration officials are coordinating with Afghan authorities to manage the flow of returning citizens and ensure proper documentation and processing at the checkpoint.
The decision highlights Pakistan’s approach to balancing security concerns with humanitarian obligations. While the border remains closed for trade, allowing Afghan nationals to return demonstrates a measured response amid regional tensions. Authorities have urged citizens to comply with border regulations and cooperate with officials to avoid congestion or delays during the reopening.
This partial reopening is expected to provide relief to families separated by the closure and to Afghan citizens seeking to return home safely. Officials confirmed that further updates regarding trade and full border operations would be announced based on developments in bilateral relations and regional security conditions.
