Authorities confirmed that the reopening aims to facilitate the ongoing Afghan refugees repatriation process, allowing undocumented Afghan nationals to return to their home country. However, the border remains closed for bilateral trade and pedestrian traffic until further notice.
The Torkham crossing had been shut earlier this month following unprovoked firing by Afghan Taliban forces on Pakistani security positions. Officials stated that the reopening was a humanitarian step under Pakistan’s campaign to repatriate Afghan nationals residing illegally in the country.
The Afghan refugees repatriation initiative is part of Islamabad’s broader policy to ensure that all foreign residents in Pakistan possess valid documentation. Thousands of Afghan citizens have already returned through Torkham since the drive began, with authorities providing temporary shelters, medical assistance, and transportation facilities to ensure an orderly process.
Torkham is one of the busiest border points between Pakistan and Afghanistan, serving as a vital route for travelers and traders involved in cross-border movement and commerce.
The reopening follows progress in peace talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, mediated by Türkiye and Qatar. Both sides agreed to continue a ceasefire, with the next round of discussions scheduled for November 6, 2025, in Istanbul to finalize implementation details.
According to a joint statement issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, delegations from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Qatar met in Istanbul from October 25 to 30, 2025, to review the ceasefire agreement reached in Doha earlier in October.
The statement confirmed that all parties agreed to maintain the truce and establish a monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance. Mediators Türkiye and Qatar appreciated the constructive engagement of both countries and reiterated their commitment to supporting dialogue for lasting regional stability.
The Afghan refugees repatriation campaign and recent diplomatic efforts reflect Pakistan’s dual focus on border security and humanitarian responsibility while working toward peace and cooperation with Afghanistan.
In other news read more about: Pakistan Begins Afghan Refugee Repatriation as Deadline Ends
