PESHAWAR: Pakistan has resumed the phased repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals, with over 700 individuals returned on the first day through the Torkham crossing after a month-long pause linked to recent security developments.
Officials said the process accelerated on the second day, with 1,970 Afghan nationals repatriated, while hundreds more arrived at the border for processing under the government’s Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan.
Upon arrival, Afghan nationals are transferred to the Hamza Baba Transit Camp near the border, where registration and legal formalities are completed before their return.
“Once documentation is verified and procedures are completed, individuals are handed over to Afghan authorities at the Torkham border,” officials said.
Authorities added that multiple agencies are working in coordination to ensure an orderly and dignified process.
The resumption of deportations follows a temporary suspension during heightened tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, including the launch of Operation Ghazab lil Haq in late February.
Pakistani officials say the operation targeted terrorist infrastructure used for cross-border attacks, while broader measures were implemented to strengthen internal security.
The Torkham crossing had briefly reopened on March 26 before being closed again following a firing incident from the Afghan side. Officials said subsequent engagements enabled the resumption of repatriation activities.
Pakistan says the repatriation drive is part of a wider counterterrorism policy framework.
Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has previously said the plan is “an integral part of the revised National Action Plan,” aimed at countering terrorism and extremism.
Officials have maintained that undocumented foreign nationals have been linked to security concerns, including involvement in attacks inside Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan continues alongside security operations.
“Our security forces took some counter-terrorism actions a few days ago. So, there is no change in that operation due to any talks,” Andrabi said.
He added that a Pakistani delegation is engaged in talks with Afghan counterparts, with further details expected upon its return.
Officials said the repatriation process will continue in phases, beginning with Afghan prisoners and extending to undocumented residents across the country.
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