Pakistan will temporary open border crossings at Torkham and Chaman for two days to allow stranded Afghan nationals to return to their country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said on Monday.

A MoFA press release said the government decided to open the border crossings on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 7 and 8, "in order to provide an opportunity to those nationals of Afghanistan who had come to Pakistan on valid visas and wish to return to their country."

Crossing points will also allow Pakistanis visiting Afghanistan on valid visas to return to the country, the Foreign Office said.

"All concerned at the two crossing points have also been informed, the FO statement added.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz also conveyed the decision to the Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Omar Zakhilwal by telephone.

Zakhilwal, in a Facebook post in his native language, confirmed that the border crossings were to be temporarily opened for two days, but added that Pakistan and Afghanistan have not yet reached an agreement on permanently reopening the border crossings.

With additional reporting from Ali Akbar.

Opinion

First line of defence

First line of defence

Pakistan’s foreign service has long needed reform to be able to adapt to global changes and leverage opportunities in a more multipolar world.

Editorial

Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
Updated 01 Apr, 2025

Women’s rights

Such judgements, and others directly impacting women’s rights should be given more airtime in media.
Not helping
Updated 02 Apr, 2025

Not helping

If it's committed to peace in Balochistan, the state must draw a line between militancy and legitimate protest.
Hard habits
Updated 30 Mar, 2025

Hard habits

Their job is to ensure that social pressures do not build to the point where problems like militancy and terrorism become a national headache.
Dreams of gold
30 Mar, 2025

Dreams of gold

PROSPECTS of the Reko Diq project taking off soon seem to have brightened lately following the completion of the...
No invitation
30 Mar, 2025

No invitation

FOR all of Pakistan’s hockey struggles, including their failure to qualify for the Olympics and World Cup as well...