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Pakistan Reopens Torkham Crossing to Return Detained Afghans

Officials frame it as a confidence test for possible restoration of trade.

Overview

  • Authorities limited the reopening to the repatriation of Afghan nationals held for illegal stay after security teams from both sides set procedures in a flag meeting.
  • Immigration officials said 705 people from 223 families completed checks and crossed back, including Afghan Citizen Card and Proof of Registration holders as well as undocumented residents.
  • Trade and routine travel remain suspended, and officials said any broader reopening will follow only if the returns proceed without incident.
  • A short-lived restart last week ended after Pakistani Frontier Corps were wounded by fire from Afghan forces, which led to a protest from Pakistan and an expression of regret from Kabul.
  • The closure traced back to late‑February clashes that followed Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan, with Kabul alleging civilian deaths and Islamabad claiming large losses for TTP militants.