INTERNATIONAL — March 29, 2026
Afghan Drivers Allege Extortion, Violence by Pakistani Police at Closed Torkham Border
Afghan drivers at the Torkham border have accused Pakistani police of extortion and violence while disregarding legal documents, as the crossing stays closed for about a month, stranding around 200 families and trucks. Drivers threaten to burn their vehicles amid ongoing Kabul-Islamabad tensions.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Afghanistan International — 2 min read
Afghan drivers at the Torkham border crossing have complained of extortion and violent treatment by Pakistani police, who reportedly ignore their legal documents.
The border has been closed to Afghan passengers and drivers for about a month, stranding dozens of Afghan families and numerous cargo trucks in Pakistan's Khyber and Landi Kotal areas. Around 200 Afghan families are stuck in those regions, according to the drivers.
The drivers stated that Pakistani police demand bribes despite valid paperwork, and they have faced physical abuse. Frustration has mounted as the situation persists without resolution.
Afghan drivers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province warned they will set their vehicles on fire if the problems are not addressed soon.
Pakistan briefly reopened the Torkham crossing on the 6th of Hamal after a month-long closure, but shut it again following the injury of a soldier. The reopening of border crossings remains uncertain amid escalating tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.
Read the original reporting at Afghanistan International →
Reliability assessment
Single source with concrete details on border closure (checkable location and timing) but key complaints of extortion, violence, and threats rely entirely on anonymous Afghan drivers/migrants; no named officials or independent corroboration.
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Afghanistan International: "violent behavior" (رفتار خشونتآمیز), "absolute destitution" (بیسرنوشتی مطلق), and "miserable situation" (وضعیت اسفبار) use emotionally loaded language to frame Pakistani police actions negatively and highlight Afghan suffering with advocacy phrasing.
Independent web corroboration
An independent web search turned up no separate corroborating reports. Treat the account as single-sourced until more outlets pick it up.
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Afghanistan International
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International — Torkham border, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Landi Kotal, Afghan drivers, Pakistan police
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