LANDIKOTAL: The Pak-Afghan border was reopened after six months of closure to resume the deportation of Afghan nationals detained in various prisons across Pakistan, with authorities repatriating dozens more through the Torkham border, officials said on Thursday.
Official sources said that 40 Afghan detainees, who had been waiting for months, were cleared from the Landi Kotal transit camp and sent to the Torkham border for repatriation.
They said hundreds of Afghan prisoners lodged in different jails would be deported in phases in the coming days.
The repatriation process remained suspended since October 11 last year after intense clashes at the border, which led to the closure of the crossing and disruption of cross-border movement.
Officials said the border situation remained tense for weeks, affecting not only passenger movement but also trade between the two countries.
In recent weeks, multiple rounds of talks were held at various levels and tribal jirgas were conducted to ease tensions and restore limited coordination at the border.
Authorities confirmed that the return of Afghan nationals would continue without interruption. However, bilateral trade activities would remain suspended for now.
Residents and members of the business community have urged both governments to restore normal relations and reopen trade routes, saying prolonged closure of the border caused significant economic losses and hardship for people on both sides.
