Returnees Complain of Abuse and Extortion at Torkham Border Crossing

Several migrants returning to the country through the Torkham border crossing in Nangarhar province claim that Pakistani soldiers beat them and extorted money from them during their exit. These individuals say the return process was accompanied by harassment, threats, and humiliating treatment.

According to the returnees, forces affiliated with Pakistan’s military regime detained some families for hours while crossing the border and demanded money in exchange for permission to pass. They add that in some cases, individuals faced physical violence due to their inability to pay.

Torkham border crossing is one of the most important transit routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with thousands passing through it annually. In recent years, with increased pressure on Afghan migrants in Pakistan, both forced and voluntary return processes have intensified.

The returnees have called on responsible agencies to address the situation of migrants and prevent abuse during their return journey. So far, Pakistani authorities have not officially commented on these allegations.