ISLAMABAD: The process of the dignified return of Afghan refugees is picking up speed as more than 10,700 Afghan nationals went back to their country via the Chaman border in a single day, according to official sources.
Data from the government show that since the campaign for repatriation was launched, the number of Afghan refugees returned to their country has reached almost 1.56 million.
As per Express News, the return of Afghan refugees is now happening at the Torkham border after Chaman, and the authorities are making sure that all the departures are carried out in a lawful and documented manner.
Officials said that the documents of every person are being checked in detail before they are given permission to cross the border. Besides, the Frontier Corps (FC) and the local administration have provided the refugees with all the necessities such as arrangements for temporary shelter, food, and medical care to make their journey comfortable.
For over four decades, Pakistan has been the home of millions of Afghan refugees, giving them shelter especially during times of war and internal strife in Afghanistan, a gesture that has been widely acknowledged as a model of humanitarian generosity.
The authorities have asserted that the ongoing repatriation campaign is consistent with Pakistan’s national security concerns and that those without valid passports and visas will not be allowed to enter the country.
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On Friday the official informed that after over twenty days of closure due to cross-border tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Torkham border is scheduled to reopen tomorrow, Saturday morning.
According to official sources, the Torkham border will be opened tomorrow, Saturday, at 9 am exclusively for Afghan families returning to Afghanistan. Sources indicate that commercial activities and pedestrian movement on both sides of the border will remain suspended during this time.
Officials from the relevant department have stated that verbal orders regarding this decision have been issued, but an official notification is yet to be released. Nevertheless, staff members have been directed to report for duty tomorrow to ensure that the process of returning Afghan families to their home country proceeds in an orderly manner.
It is important to note that the prolonged closure of the Torkham border has severely impacted residents, transporters, and the business community. Hundreds of freight trucks and containers are stranded on both sides of the border, paralysing trade and affecting the local economy, while transporters are facing significant difficulties.
Additionally, a ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been agreed upon until November 6. Fresh talks will be held in Istanbul on that date, with discussions expected to focus on key issues such as the border situation, the return of refugees, and trade matters. Locals are urging the government to take effective steps to normalise relations between the two countries, which could lead to a permanent opening of the border and a resumption of economic activities in the region.
It is worth mentioning that customs clearing agents and locals in Landikotal staged a demonstration yesterday to advocate for the reopening of the Torkham border and have planned another protest for Saturday.
