Torkham Border Crossing Closed to Afghan Migrant Deportations After Pakistani Guard Wounded

PESHAWAR, Afghanistan (Afghan Verified) -- The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan halted deportations of undocumented Afghan migrants on Friday following the wounding of a Pakistani border security official in a cross-border attack from Afghan territory.

The incident took place around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Awl Khan outpost near Torkham, Pakistani security officials said. A Pakistani border guard was wounded in the attack originating from Afghan soil.

Pakistani officials in Torkham cited the aggressive behavior of the Afghan side and deteriorating security conditions as reasons for the closure. They noted ongoing tensions amid strained relations with the Taliban, placing border forces on full alert.

The Torkham crossing had reopened on Thursday specifically for deportations after remaining closed since February 26. That closure coincided with Pakistan's military operation 'Ghadab lil-Haqq.' On Thursday, approximately 220 undocumented Afghans were registered and deported through the crossing.

The development comes amid heightened cross-border frictions. Pakistani security officials emphasized the need for improved coordination to prevent further incidents, according to reports citing Dawn newspaper.