Torkham border reopens on March 31 for one-way Afghan repatriation under strict security rules. No trade or public movement allowed.
The Torkham Border Crossing, the main land route between Pakistan and Afghanistan, was temporarily reopened on March 31 — but only for the controlled return of Afghan nationals.
Officials have made it clear: this is not a full reopening. The current arrangement allows one-way movement only, enabling Afghan migrants and undocumented individuals in Pakistan to return home under strict monitoring.
There is no trade activity, no general passenger movement, and no entry into Pakistan from Afghanistan.
Strictly Controlled Repatriation Process
Authorities are managing the process through designated facilities, including the Hamza Baba Complex holding camp, to ensure an orderly and secure repatriation.
The reopening follows a high-level flag meeting held on March 30 at Torkham Zero Point, where both sides agreed on temporary arrangements to ease tensions while facilitating returns.
Key Security Conditions at Torkham
Officials have imposed strict rules to avoid further escalation:
- Complete ban on displaying weapons at the border
- Any firing from the Afghan side will be treated as an “act of war”
- A strict ceasefire must be maintained
- Operating hours proposed from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- 100% inspection of vehicles
- Truck drivers must return with the same empty vehicle
- No extra passengers allowed in returning vehicles
- Temporary pedestrian arrangements due to damaged infrastructure
Background: Rising Tensions and Repeated Closures
The border has seen repeated shutdowns over the past few months.
On March 26–27, Torkham was briefly opened to allow hundreds of stranded Afghan migrants to cross back into Afghanistan after weeks of closure. However, the crossing was shut again following a reported firing incident from the Afghan side.
The March 30 meeting aimed to stabilize the situation. Pakistani officials urged Afghan authorities to take responsibility for the border stretch from Shinkando to Dawood Post to prevent future incidents. The Afghan delegation agreed to maintain a ceasefire and consult higher authorities.
Wider Border Situation Remains Unstable
The situation is not limited to Torkham.
The Chaman–Spin Boldak Crossing in Balochistan also remains largely closed for trade and regular travel, with only limited repatriation activity in recent weeks.
Since October 2025, border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been disrupted due to:
- Cross-border clashes
- Militant threats, particularly from TTP
- Pakistan’s crackdown on undocumented Afghan nationals
Trade routes have remained mostly suspended, with only brief humanitarian access allowed late last year, strictly for United Nations humanitarian shipments.
No Full Reopening Yet
For now, the latest development is limited and temporary.
The Torkham crossing is functioning only as a controlled exit point for Afghan nationals. A full reopening — including trade and two-way movement — will depend on improved security conditions and further negotiations between both countries.
