Closure of Peshawar–Torkham Highway Halts Afghan Returnees’ Passage

The closure of the Peshawar–Torkham highway for the second consecutive day has temporarily halted the return process of Afghans through the Torkham crossing. This action follows the kidnapping of a local trader in the Landi Kotal area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper reported that protesters also blocked this highway on Saturday and warned they will continue their protests until the fate of the kidnapped trader is clarified.

According to the report, unknown individuals abducted Lala Zarif, known as Haji Landi, from outside his home in Landi Kotal on Friday morning. The police have registered a case against unidentified suspects following the incident; however, as of the time of the report, the whereabouts and motives behind the kidnapping remain unknown.

Following the incident, local residents blocked the highway at the Charwazgi area on Friday afternoon. Dozens of political party members, civil society activists, and family members of the trader gathered at the scene, expressing concern and accusing the police of being unable to identify the perpetrators.

The Torkham crossing is one of the most important routes for the movement and return of Afghan migrants from Pakistan to Afghanistan, and any disruption along this route directly affects the travel of thousands of people.