People in Pakistan's Landi Kotal protested the prolonged closure of the Torkham border with Afghanistan, calling it an "economic murder" of livelihoods. Protesters urged reopening the crossing, separating trade from politics, and including tribal elders and traders in future Pak-Afghan peace
Numerous daily-wage workers and porters in the area are experiencing severe distress due to the ongoing closure of the Torkham border point, resulting in significant financial difficulties after losing their part-time jobs, as reported by Dawn.
The Torkham border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan was reopened on Saturday, allowing the return of Afghan refugees after a nearly two-week closure that followed deadly border clashes between the two countries last month, The Express Tribune reported.
Afghan security sources have confirmed the arrest of an ISIS terrorist identified as Saeedullah, who admitted to receiving terrorist training in Pakistan before infiltrating Afghanistan through the Torkham border crossing
The ongoing closure of the Torkham border since October 13 has worsened the difficulties faced by hundreds of stranded transporters, with many running low on funds and others experiencing physical and mental health challenges, according to a report by Dawn.
At least 350 Afghans, including women and children, were released from Pakistani jails and returned via Torkham. Many had valid documents but still faced arrest and mistreatment. Some remain separated from families, as deportations and repatriations from Pakistan and Iran continue, Tolo News
Pakistan has intensified its third phase of deporting Afghan migrants, now expanding to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Despite some support at camps, many deportees reported mistreatment, including bribes and harassment, even with legal documents, Tolo News reported. Afghanistan's acting foreign minist
The ground assessments carried out at key border points, especially Islam Qala in Herat Province, reveal that upper respiratory infections are the most common diseases spread, followed by diarrhoea and dehydration, particularly among children and the elderly.
Over 1 million Afghans have returned from Pakistan to Afghanistan since October 2023, facing hardships like poor shelter, jobs, and services. UNHCR and WFP are helping returnees, while many report mistreatment by Pakistani police. Pakistan plans to deport 3 million Afghan migrants this year.
Of those repatriated, 3,865 Afghan nationals voluntarily reached Landi Kotal transit camp, according to the officials. In addition, 107 Afghan nationals apprehended in Punjab were taken to Torkham for deportation.
Taliban-led Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation spokesperson, Mufti Abdul Mutalib Haqqani, said that bringing the refugees back is the official policy of Afghanistan, Dawn reported. However, it should be conducted under a joint mechanism with Pakistan so that refugees are returned graduall