Strict Torkham Inspections Slow Afghan Migrants’ Exit

DID Press: Multi-stage and strict inspections at the Torkham border crossing have significantly slowed the return of Afghan migrants, resulting in long queues and hours-long delays for families, while reports also indicate that their valuables are being confiscated along the Peshawar–Torkham route.

Border sources said Pakistani customs authorities have introduced strict measures under which all goods carried by Afghan families are manually inspected before exit permits are issued, despite migrants’ vehicles previously undergoing electronic scanning. In addition, border forces conduct further security inspections after customs clearance, significantly slowing the departure process and placing additional psychological and financial pressure on migrants.

Local customs agents and clearing representatives have criticized the procedure, describing manual inspections after electronic scanning as “useless” and stressing that all shipments are already visible through the scanning system. They added that, in addition to an 8,500-rupee scanning fee for each vehicle, drivers and families are required to hire workers to unload and reload their belongings, creating additional pressure in the region’s hot weather.

Pakistani customs officials said the inspections were being carried out under strict instructions from the country’s tax authorities to prevent commercial goods from being smuggled under the cover of personal belongings.

Reports indicate that, due to the tightened procedures, the daily number of vehicles carrying migrants out of the area has fallen from around 200 vehicles last week to only 10 to 15 vehicles per day. Local business representatives have proposed that officials from all relevant agencies be present simultaneously during electronic scanning to speed up the process and prevent repeated inspections.

Meanwhile, migrants facing deportation have reported that Pakistani forces are confiscating their valuables along the Peshawar–Torkham route. They said that in the Sur Kamar area, Pakistani soldiers, allegedly under the pretext of conducting inspections, remove carpets, newlywed bedding sets, refrigerators and even valuable women’s clothing from their luggage.

Freight truck drivers have also confirmed that inspection orders are issued at checkpoints, but said vehicles continue toward Torkham without stopping, while migrants’ valuable belongings are allegedly seized during the process.

The migrants have raised their complaints with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Freight Transporters’ Union, as well as with the Taliban’s consulate in Peshawar and its embassy in Islamabad. However, they say no practical action has been taken so far.

Observers say the situation highlights the vulnerability of Afghan migrants to alleged systemic abuse, while raising questions about the Taliban’s ability or willingness to provide effective protection for Afghan citizens.