After a two-week closure, Pakistan reopened its key border crossings with Afghanistan, allowing more than 10,000 Afghan nationals to return to their home country, officials confirmed on Friday.
The borders at Torkham in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Chaman in Balochistan were reopened for pedestrian and trade movement following high-level discussions between the two countries. The crossings had been closed amid security concerns and administrative disputes, disrupting trade and stranding thousands of travelers on both sides.
Long queues formed early in the morning as Afghan nationals, many of whom had been waiting in makeshift camps near the border, finally began crossing back home. Local authorities facilitated the process, setting up verification desks and medical checkpoints to ensure a smooth transition.
According to border officials, over 10,000 Afghans returned within the first 24 hours of reopening, while hundreds of Pakistani citizens also crossed back into the country.
“The reopening has brought much-needed relief to families who were separated for days,” said a border official. “We’re coordinating closely with Afghan authorities to maintain order and ensure safe passage.”
Trade activities have also gradually resumed, with hundreds of trucks carrying perishable goods allowed to pass through after weeks of delay — a move welcomed by traders on both sides.
The reopening marks a step toward easing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, as both governments emphasize the importance of maintaining humanitarian and trade links despite political and security challenges.
