Dispute Over Zangali Checkpost Halts Torkham Border Operations Temporarily

KHYBER: Operations at the Torkham border were disrupted for approximately two hours on Monday due to a dispute regarding the repair or construction of the controversial Zangali checkpost on the Afghan side. The situation prompted the temporary suspension of the repatriation process for undocumented Afghan families, as well as the evacuation of government office staff.

While no official statement was released regarding the contentious checkpost, Customs and immigration officials confirmed the closure of their offices and the halt in repatriation activities. Local resident Sabir Khan reported that operations resumed after two hours, although tensions persisted throughout the afternoon. He noted that residents were not forced to leave their homes, but the Torkham market remained closed for three to four hours during the dispute.

The temporary suspension of operations raises concerns about the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan families seeking repatriation, as well as the broader implications for border management and relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The incident underscores the fragile nature of cross-border cooperation amid ongoing disputes over infrastructure and security.

Following the resolution of the dispute, Customs and immigration officials confirmed that they have resumed their operations, including the clearance of belongings for returning Afghan families. Authorities are expected to monitor the situation closely to prevent further disruptions and ensure smooth operations at the border.