INTERNATIONAL — June 22, 2026
Return Process for Stranded Pakistani Drivers in Afghanistan Begins After Nine Months
Approximately 600 Pakistani drivers and cleaners are returning home, with authorities requiring their full repatriation before trade can resume at the border.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Ariana News — 2 min read
Hundreds of Pakistani drivers and cleaners stranded in Afghanistan for nearly nine months have started their journey home as border crossings reopen. Approximately 600 individuals were affected by the situation, which arose after the Torkham crossing was closed in October 2025 amid clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Maulana Ijaz Shinwari, a local leader, confirmed that the return process has begun. He said all are expected to reach Pakistan soon. Shinwari also noted the process's impact on trade, poverty, and unemployment in areas near the Durand Line.
Pakistani authorities are prioritizing the return of all remaining citizens before any resumption of trade. This approach comes as the prolonged closure has disrupted cross-border activities.
In a related development, more than 2.5 million Afghan citizens have returned from Pakistan since September 2023. Between 7 and 13 June 2026, 28,285 Afghan citizens entered Afghanistan via multiple border crossings. This represents an 11 percent increase in returns and a 22 percent increase in deportations from the previous week.
Read the original reporting at Ariana News →
Reliability assessment
Single source but includes direct on-record statements from named figures (Maulana Ijaz Shinwari, Tariq Saeed Marwat) with concrete details on returns, border status, and statistics from UNHCR/IOM; core event of return process beginning is attributed on-record
The source language reads straight.
Independent web corroboration
A separate web search returned 8 matching reports. A selection:
- Truckers return home after 9-month ordealtribune.com.pk
Hundreds of Pakistani truck drivers and conductors stranded in Afghanistan for nearly nine months have finally begun returning home
The first batch of Pakistani transit trucks stranded in Afghanistan for nearly eight months crossed back into Pakistan through the Torkham border crossing on Thursday
- The Witness on Xx.com
Process of returning transit vehicles stranded in Afghanistan since October last year started on Thursday, Torkham Transport Union President Azeemullah Shinwari said.
Across the newsrooms
Filed by
Ariana News
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
International — Torkham, Durand Line, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, UNHCR
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