Afghan returns resume amid Torkham crisis

Jirga threatens protests as border closure strands Pakistanis, cripples trade and transport

BARA:

The process of repatriating Afghan refugees to their homeland has resumed in Khyber district following the Eid holidays, even as the prolonged closure of the Torkham border crossing for the past eight months continues to cause serious hardship for local residents, traders, transporters, and Pakistanis stranded across the border.

According to government figures, more than 1.177 million Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan since September 17, 2023. In the current phase that began on February 28, over 82,500 Afghan nationals have been repatriated so far.

Official sources said the repatriation drive is continuing from various parts of the country. In Khyber district alone, 1,208 Afghan refugees have been sent back under the ongoing campaign. During crackdowns on illegally staying Afghans, authorities registered 42 cases in the district. After completion of legal and administrative formalities, those individuals were deported via the Torkham border.

In the Bara, Jamrud, and Landi Kotal areas of Khyber, 44 shops belonging to Afghan nationals engaged in illegal businesses have also been sealed. Officials said these actions are being taken in line with government policy and law to curb unlawful residence and commercial activities.

The holding camp established for Afghan refugees in Landi Kotal has become the central hub for the repatriation process. Camp sources reported that more than 3,000 Afghan refugees arrive daily from different parts of the country. After verification by NADRA, biometric registration, and completion of other formalities, they are repatriated the same day through the Torkham border.

Meanwhile, the continuous closure of the Torkham border has badly affected cross-border trade and movement. Officials of the Transport Union said the issue of Pakistani drivers, conductors, and vehicles stuck in Afghanistan remains unresolved. Union leaders revealed that a detailed list of 560 drivers and conductors along with 900 trailers was submitted to the authorities a month ago, but no concrete progress has been made so far.

They added that while some drivers and conductors have returned via the Chaman border, a large number are still in Afghanistan. Many trucks and trailers parked for months have become non-functional, causing heavy financial losses to their owners. Transporters warned that the border closure has not only disrupted commercial activities but has also put the livelihoods of thousands of families at risk.

In response to the situation, a grand jirga was held in Landi Kotal under the joint platform of various political, social, and trade organizations. The gathering was attended by representatives of political parties, transporters, labour unions, traders, and local elders.

Prominent among those present were Jamaat-e-Islami Khyber Amir Shah Faisal Afridi, Ziaul Haq Afridi, Mufti Ijaz Shinwari, Murad Hussain Afridi, Shah Khalid Shinwari, and Shah Rehman Shinwari.

Addressing the jirga, speakers said the Torkham border has remained closed to all trade and pedestrian movement for the past eight months, badly affecting the economy of border regions. They noted that business activities have been virtually paralyzed, while local people are facing unemployment and economic hardship.

The participants described the delay in the return of hundreds of stranded Pakistani vehicles, transporters, students, and citizens as an injustice to the local population and demanded immediate action. At the conclusion of the jirga, a joint resolution was issued warning that if Pakistanis stuck in Afghanistan, including vehicles, passengers, and students, are not allowed to return, a protest movement would be launched after Eid.

The resolution stated that in such a case, the Pak-Afghan highway could be blocked for all traffic, and the process of Afghan refugee repatriation might also be halted in protest.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Mufti Ijaz Shinwari of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam said the closure of Pak-Afghan border crossings has created an economic crisis in the tribal districts. He said the suspension of trade and movement has affected the livelihoods of millions, pushing many families into severe financial distress. He added that more than 1,500 large Pakistani vehicles, along with their drivers, conductors, students, and other citizens, are still stranded in Afghanistan. Despite repeated demands, the government has failed to provide a permanent solution.

Mufti Ijaz Shinwari said most drivers are living in difficult conditions on Afghan roads with their trucks and trailers. He announced that a joint meeting of the Landi Kotal Political Alliance, local elders, traders, and Transport Union will be held in the coming days to devise a future course of action, including possible protests.