Torkham Border to reopen today for return of Afghan nationals

WEB DESK: Pakistani authorities announced that the Torkham border crossing in Khyber district will reopen today (Saturday) to facilitate the return of Afghan citizens to their home country.

According to Deputy Commissioner Khyber, immigration and customs personnel have been instructed to report for duty at 7 a.m., with border operations restricted exclusively to outbound Afghan nationals. He clarified that bilateral trade will remain suspended until further notice.

The Torkham crossing has been closed since October 20 amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, halting all movement of goods and people. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) earlier confirmed that customs clearance at Torkham, Ghulam Khan, Kharlachi, and Angoor Adda border stations has remained suspended since October 12.

Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar stated on Friday that a decision regarding the resumption of cross-border trade activities would be taken at a later stage.

Meanwhile, Pakistani authorities have continued a nationwide crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals, including Afghans. Officials have warned citizens not to rent property or engage in business with illegal residents, cautioning that legal action will be taken against violators.