Ceasefire Between Pakistan and Afghanistan, But Kabul Warns of Crisis for Afghan Refugees

Even as Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a ceasefire following weeks of border tensions, the situation for Afghan refugees in Pakistan has taken a grim turn. Afghanistan’s ambassador to Pakistan, Sardar Ahmed Shakib, has warned of worsening conditions faced by Afghan nationals living across the border and urged Islamabad to immediately reopen all border crossings — including Torkham, Chaman, Boldak, Angoor Adda, and Ghulam Khan — which have been shut down amid recent unrest.

Shakib stated that the closure of these borders has completely halted trade, transport, and the movement of civilians, leaving hundreds stranded. He highlighted that over 400 trucks carrying refugees, mostly from Punjab, are stuck on the Jamrud–Torkham road, facing severe shortages of food and basic necessities.

According to data shared by the Afghan embassy, nearly 10,000 refugees have been detained by Pakistani authorities and sent to detention centers. Thousands more, fearing arrest, have packed their belongings but are unable to leave because of the ongoing border shutdown.

Human rights activists have also raised concerns. Alireza Karimi, a migrant rights advocate, condemned Pakistan’s actions, calling them a violation of humanitarian principles and international refugee protections. He urged the global community to intervene and ensure the dignity and safety of Afghan refugees. Afghan journalist Zahir Bahand reported that refugees are being confined to their homes, unable even to step out for essentials, with some families evicted on police orders.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Farooqui, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Border Forces, announced that the Torkham crossing would temporarily reopen on Saturday, but only for Afghan families returning home. Commercial activities and regular pedestrian traffic will remain suspended until further notice.

Currently, many Afghan families awaiting deportation are being held in temporary camps in Jamrud, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as tensions persist following clashes between the Islamic Emirate’s forces and the Pakistani military.

Following the ceasefire, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that Islamabad does not wish to escalate hostilities with Kabul but expects Afghanistan’s Taliban government to address its security concerns and act against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.