KHYBER: Return of stranded transporters and their vehicles from Afghanistan gradually started on Thursday after a permission was granted by the border authorities of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Sources at Torkham said that at least two vehicles crossed into Pakistan side of the border in the afternoon followed by a similar number a few hours later.

Relatives and transport association representatives had been holding protests and urging the authorities concerned of both the neighbouring countries for the safe return of around 600 drivers and their assistants along with nearly 900 vehicles.

They even resorted to blocking of the main road leading to Torkham to press the government for acceptance of their demands. The repatriation of the Afghans via Torkham was also suspended for at least three times due to the closure of road by the protesters.

Sources at Torkham said that the return process of the stranded transporters and vehicles was planned in gradual phases in order to avoid traffic congestion at the border crossing.

They said that dozens of the vehicles and transporters were expected to return during night time while a number of the drivers who had their vehicles stuck on Afghan side of the border were allowed to take back the returning Afghans across the border and then bring back their vehicles.

Family members of these transporters said that most of the stranded drivers and their assistants had their visas expired and they also faced acute financial problems as they had exhausted all their funds during their prolonged stay in Afghanistan, while their family members too went through tough times as they had to wait for eight frustrating months for the return of their loved ones.

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2026