By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL: Pak-Afghan border was opened after six months of its closure to resume the deportation of Afghan nationals detained in various prisons across Pakistan, with authorities repatriating dozens of others through the Torkham border, officials said.
According to official sources, 40 Afghan detainees waiting for months were cleared from the Landikotal transit camp and sent to the Torkham border for repatriation.
Officials said hundreds of Afghan prisoners lodged in different jails would be deported in phases in the coming days.
The repatriation process had remained suspended since October 11 last year, following intense clashes at the border, referred to as the Torkham border clashes, which led to the closure of the crossing and disruption of cross-border movement.
Officials said the border situation remained tense for weeks, affecting not only passenger movement but also trade between the two countries.
In recent weeks, multiple rounds of talks were held at various levels, and tribal jirgas were conducted to ease tensions and restore limited coordination at the border.
Authorities confirmed that the return of Afghan nationals would continue without interruption. However, bilateral trade activities would remain suspended for now.
Residents and members of the business community have urged both governments to restore normal relations and reopen trade routes, saying prolonged closure of the border has caused significant economic losses and hardship for people on both sides.
