The Torkham border crossing has been reopened for the return of illegally residing Afghan citizens, with authorities initiating the first phase of deportations.
Pakistan has resumed the deportation of illegal Afghan nationals through the Torkham border. The move comes after months of closure due to rising tensions and aims to streamline the repatriation process.
According to the district administration in Khyber, the process of deporting Afghan citizens through the Pak-Afghan border crossing at Torkham has officially begun.
Authorities confirmed that in the first phase, Afghan prisoners from across the country are being repatriated.
Hundreds of Afghan prisoners among those deported
Officials stated that hundreds of Afghan citizens who were imprisoned in various jails across Pakistan are being deported. The deportation is being carried out after completing all required legal formalities.
After the legal process, illegal Afghan citizens are being transferred across the border. The district administration confirmed that deportees are being handed over to Afghan border authorities at the Torkham crossing.
Border remained closed for months
The Torkham border has remained closed for all types of trade since October 12 last year, according to officials.
Additionally, due to recent tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the crossing was also shut for the return of Afghan citizens from February 26 this year.
The reopening of the border for deportations marks a significant step in addressing illegal migration and managing cross-border movement. Authorities are expected to continue the phased repatriation process in the coming days.
