Afghan Drivers Allege Extortion, Violence by Pakistani Police at Closed Torkham Border

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.