ISLAMABAD: Pakistan reopened the Torkham border crossing on Saturday to allow the repatriation of Afghan nationals, though bilateral trade through the route remains suspended.
The decision comes amid efforts to ease tensions following weeks of closure due to cross-border hostilities.
According to reports from Khyber district, local authorities confirmed that the border has been reopened for the return of Afghan citizens to their homeland. Immigration and customs personnel were directed to report at 7 am. to ensure an orderly and regulated repatriation process. However, trade activities at the border will remain halted until further notice.
Deputy Commissioner Khyber Bilal Shahid Rao said the crossing had been completely closed since October 20 due to heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Political and Security Context
Minister of State for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhry, speaking in a private television programme, said that for the first time, Pakistan and Afghanistan have established a written mechanism to manage border and security issues. He described the current arrangement as an extension of a temporary ceasefire.
He added that the next round of talks is scheduled for November 6, during which mediators will again facilitate discussions. “The level of disagreement has already narrowed, and this mechanism has been acknowledged by both international and regional partners,” Chaudhry said.
Warning of Stronger Response
Senator Chaudhry cautioned that any violation of the written assurances provided by the Afghan Taliban would invite a robust Pakistani response. “No excuse will be acceptable if those assurances are breached. Pakistan will respond with greater strength if provoked,” he warned.
He alleged that Afghanistan has, at times, been used as a proxy by India and claimed that Pakistan possesses multiple examples and evidence of such activities. “Even the Afghan Taliban have acknowledged the presence of groups crossing the border to carry out attacks from Afghan soil,” he added.
Peace and Mutual Interests
Chaudhry stressed that Afghanistan’s stability is directly linked to Pakistan’s national interest. “Pakistan wants peace on both sides of the border and insists that no country’s territory should be used against another,” he said.
He emphasised that an effective and strong border management system is vital to prevent violations and ensure that both nations move forward in the spirit of mutual respect and stability.
Yesterday, the Pakistan’s military spokesman Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry held an interactive session with university teachers and students in Abbottabad to discuss national security, Pakistan-Afghan tensions, and ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
A large number of professors and students from local universities attended the session. The DG ISPR said Pakistan has taken “effective steps” against terrorism and the Indian proxy Fitna al Khawarij.
He reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army remains fully committed to defending the homeland, warning that any external aggression would meet a “strong and decisive response.”
