In a significant policy move, the Government of Pakistan has temporarily opened the Torkham border to facilitate the dignified, safe, and phased repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals.
According to an official statement, the repatriation process commenced on March 26, with strict coordination directives issued to all relevant institutions, including immigration, registration, customs, and logistics authorities, to ensure a smooth and controlled operation.
Authorities have implemented heightened security measures across Torkham, Landi Kotal, and surrounding areas, reflecting concerns tied to regional security dynamics and Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts under the National Action Plan (NAP). The move comes amid continued emphasis on tightening border management to prevent militant infiltration and enhance internal security.
Officials confirmed that only designated transit points, particularly the Hamza Baba holding camp, will be used to process and transfer individuals in an organized manner. Movement will remain strictly regulated during the initial phase to avoid mismanagement or security breaches.
The government reiterated that the initiative aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy in the war on terror, aiming to strengthen border control, enforce immigration laws, and eliminate potential security vulnerabilities while ensuring the respectful return of Afghan nationals.
Security forces and civil institutions are working in close coordination, underscoring a unified national effort to balance humanitarian considerations with counterterrorism priorities.
