Tribes urge faster repatriation of Afghan families via Torkham

Tribal representatives in Landi Kotal have urged the government to accelerate the repatriation process of Afghan families through the Torkham border, citing humanitarian concerns and expected travel pressures ahead of Eidul Azha.

During a meeting held on Thursday with security officials, local elders highlighted difficulties faced by returning Afghan families due to delays in registration, verification, and clearance procedures. Participants said the slow processing was causing long queues and congestion at key checkpoints, particularly at the Bhagyiarree checkpost in Jamrud.

According to sources familiar with the meeting, the traffic situation has worsened due to prolonged delays in releasing vehicles carrying Afghan families and their belongings. Hundreds of loaded transport vehicles have reportedly been stranded along roadside areas, disrupting daily movement for both returning Afghans and local residents.

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Tribal leaders also conveyed concerns from Afghan border authorities, who have expressed willingness to facilitate the return of their citizens once they are cleared by Pakistani authorities. The Afghan side reportedly supports a faster repatriation process to ease congestion and humanitarian pressure at the crossing point.

Participants further requested relaxation in customs procedures, particularly for personal belongings of returning families. They noted that recent confiscations of items declared restricted under export regulations have added to the hardship of those returning.

The meeting also discussed the situation of Pakistani transport vehicles stranded on the Afghan side of the border since its closure in October last year. Transporters have reportedly suffered financial losses and prolonged uncertainty due to restricted movement across the frontier.

Security officials assured tribal elders that their concerns would be forwarded to higher authorities and that all legitimate humanitarian issues would be considered sympathetically.

On the occasion, the commandant of Khyber Rifles, on behalf of the Inspector General of Frontier Corps, distributed appreciation certificates to individuals who assisted security forces during recent cross-border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.