Over Two Million Afghans Returned from Pakistan Amid Torgham Border Closure

Pakistani authorities have announced that more than 2.13 million Afghan citizens have been deported back to Afghanistan as part of a nationwide campaign targeting undocumented migrants. This operation, largely implemented in Punjab province, has included inspections of thousands of residential areas and hundreds of markets, leading to arrests and legal cases against migrants without valid documentation.

According to local Pakistani media, over 150,000 individuals have been expelled solely from Punjab. The operation is led by the “Foreign Nationals Security Cell” under the Punjab Home Department. Hundreds of migrants are also being registered and held in temporary detention centers in the province in preparation for transfer to Afghanistan.

This process coincides with rising tensions at border crossings between the two countries. In recent days, hundreds of migrants have been returned through the Chaman crossing, especially as some other transit routes have faced disruptions or restrictions.

Torgham crossing in Nangarhar province, a vital route for travel and trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan, has been repeatedly closed. The crossing briefly reopened on Thursday but was reportedly closed again after a few hours without any official explanation, according to Sediqullah Quraishi, head of Information and Culture in Nangarhar. Pakistani officials have yet to provide a clear reason for the closure.

The large-scale return of migrants continues amid instability in border openings and closings, raising humanitarian and logistical concerns. Many returning families face challenges related to shelter, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. In this context, the Taliban administration is responsible for facilitating immediate housing and support for returnees, a task that has so far encountered serious difficulties.