Pakistan has reopened the Torkham border crossing to allow the repatriation of illegal Afghan citizens after weeks of closure, officials confirmed on Saturday.
Hundreds of Afghans gathered at the immigration point to return to Afghanistan as authorities began the repatriation process in Khyber district following a formal government directive.
Officials stated that the Torkham crossing has been opened only for the return of undocumented Afghan nationals and will remain closed for trade and routine pedestrian movement. The border had been shut for all traffic since October 11 amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Chaman border closed for 21st day
However,the Chaman border crossing remains closed for the 21st consecutive day, disrupting trade and movement between the two countries. The prolonged closure has intensified economic and humanitarian concerns in the region.
Pakistan-Afghan talks to continue in Istanbul
The development comes as Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban agreed to maintain a ceasefire following talks in Istanbul, hosted by Türkiye and Qatar.
A joint statement confirmed that both sides will hold a principal-level meeting on November 6, 2025 to finalize implementation mechanisms.
“All parties have agreed on the continuation of the ceasefire,” the statement said, adding that a monitoring and verification mechanism will be set up, including penalties for violations.
Mediators from Türkiye and Qatar reiterated support for continued dialogue to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region.
