ISLAMABAD: In a major thaw in Pakistan-Afghanistan strained relations, the Torkham border crossing point was reopened on Tuesday, giving undocumented Afghan families yet another chance to return to their home country after weeks of uncertainty.
The border, which connects the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KP) with Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, had been opened for a short time on Thursday after remaining closed for a month following the launch of Operation Ghazablil-Haq to dismantle terrorist network on Afghan soil. It is worth to note that the process was stopped last week by the border authorities when FC personnel from the Pakistani side were injured by gunfire by the Afghan forces.
After the incident, the Pakistan side lodged a strong protest, prompting the Afghan authorities to show regret over the incident and request the resumption of the repatriation process. Consequently, the security situation was reviewed, and the border security force and other line departments deployed on Pakistan side were directed to resume the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) on March 31.
Security officials from both sides held detailed meetings on Tuesday morning and evening, and it was decided to establish a mechanism to ensure the smooth return of undocumented Afghans. This decision came after receiving a request from Afghanistan, said sources familiar with the development.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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