Pakistan Accelerates Afghan Deportations as Daily Returns Reach 6,000

DID Press: Pakistan has stepped up the deportation of undocumented Afghan nationals, with the number of daily returnees through the Torkham border crossing rising to around 6,000, according to officials. At the same time, ongoing trade restrictions at the crossing have triggered protests from business groups.

The increase follows the Pakistani federal government’s directive to detain and deport Afghan citizens without valid visas. Officials say fears of arrest and deportation have led to a sharp rise in voluntary registrations for return in recent days.

According to official figures, the number of Afghans crossing back into Afghanistan through Torkham has increased from roughly 4,000 to nearly 6,000 people per day.

Meanwhile, continued restrictions on commercial traffic at the Torkham crossing have drawn criticism from traders, customs clearing agents, and transport operators. Business associations have warned they will block the Peshawar–Torkham highway indefinitely unless bilateral trade through the border crossing is fully restored.