Pakistan reopens its border with Afghanistan for refugee repatriations

Islamabad [Pakistan], November 2: Pakistan on Saturday reopened a key border crossing with Afghanistan to resume the repatriation of Afghan refugees, ending a weeks-long closure following deadly border clashes between the South Asian neighbours.
The Torkham border crossing has been reopened for the repatriation of refugees, but trade activity through the border remains suspended, a government official said.
The border crossing in Pakistan's north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunwa was sealed on October 11.
Thousands of refugees were left stranded at makeshift camps near Torkham awaiting processing and at detention centres in other parts of the country.
Last month, Pakistan and Afghanistan saw their worst border clashes in decades over cross-border terrorism. Islamabad accuses Kabul of sheltering militants responsible for cross-border attacks. Afghanistan denies the charges.
Following the clashes, which left dozens of people dead on both sides, the two neighbours agreed to a ceasefire but failed to build on it when they met again in Istanbul last week.
On Thursday, the two sides agreed to extend the ceasefire for another week after the talks mediated by Turkiye and Qatar. (DPA)
Source:Qatar Tribune