Full Breakdown
Afghan Refugees Stuck at Torkham Border as Pakistan-Afghanistan Fighting Escalates
5/1/2026, 3:08:19 AM
The Immediate Situation at Torkham
Hundreds of Afghan nationals gathered on both sides of the Torkham crossing in northwest Pakistan on 30 April 2026, awaiting repatriation to Afghanistan. Pakistani officials have not yet opened the gate despite fresh cross-border mortar attacks that wounded civilians in South Waziristan. Refugees remain in a temporary camp of trucks and makeshift shelters, some having waited more than two weeks.
Background to the Mass Expulsions
Since 2023 Islamabad has ordered the removal of all Afghan nationals lacking valid visas. The policy has resulted in the expulsion of more than 2 million people out of an estimated 3 million Afghan residents in Pakistan. Most of those affected are second- and third-generation families who originally fled violence in the 1980s.
Key Figures on the Ground
Saleha Bibi, 40, a mother of seven, has never visited Afghanistan but is scheduled for return. Burhan Khan, 24, travels with his family and reports a twelve-day wait. Both speak on behalf of larger groups of displaced Afghans.
Data & Statistics
- Expelled Afghans since 2023: > 2 million
- Total Afghan residents in Pakistan (2023 estimate): ? 3 million
- Refugees waiting at Torkham (30 April 2026): hundreds, with some queues extending for days
- Duration of individual waits: up to 12 days, with reports of “nearly two weeks” in vehicles
Official Statements & Responses
The Pakistani government asserts that Afghanistan provides safe haven to militants who launch attacks inside Pakistan, citing recent mortar shelling in South Waziristan. The Afghan authorities reject the claim, describing the alleged militancy as a domestic Pakistani issue and denying any support for cross-border attacks.
Criticism & Opposition
Refugees describe the forced return as a worsening of their plight. Saleha Bibi expressed that returning would be emotionally painful and emphasized the scarcity of educational opportunities for her children in Afghanistan. Burhan Khan highlighted that women and children have been confined in vehicles for nearly two weeks, raising concerns about safety and basic services.
On-the-Ground Reports
Reuters photographers captured long lines of trucks laden with luggage and personal belongings. Temporary shelters at the crossing house the displaced families. Injuries reported in South Waziristan include women and children wounded by mortar fire, intensifying fear among those awaiting departure.
Why It Matters
The situation underscores the difficult circumstances faced by families, especially children, and may heighten tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Large-scale displacement without access to education could deepen the human cost of the renewed fighting.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources convey consistent figures and narratives; however, independent verification of injury numbers and the exact number of refugees waiting at the border is absent.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We never imagined that one day we would be asked to leave,” — Saleha Bibi, Afghan refugee
- “We are going back with broken hearts,” — Saleha Bibi, Afghan refugee
- “What hurts me most is the lack of educational opportunities for my children in Afghanistan.” — Saleha Bibi, Afghan refugee
- “Women and children have been sitting inside the vehicles for nearly two weeks,” — Burhan Khan, Afghan refugee
What’s Next
Refugees remain in the camp pending clearance from Pakistani border officials. Their eventual repatriation depends on the resolution of cross-border hostilities and the decision of Islamabad to allow passage.
