Khyber: The Torkham border crossing has been reopened for deportation of Afghan citizens living in Pakistan illegally.

According to authorities The Torkham border crossing has been reopened partly after 20 days so that the process of deportation of illegal Afghan citizens from Pakistan could continue.

According to Bilal Shahid Deputy Commissioner (DC) district Khyber border crossing has been reopened only for deportation of Afghan refugees . However trade and pedestrian movement across the border will remain suspended till further orders.

According to district administration hundreds of Afghan citizens have reached Torkham immigration centre where the staff is allowing them to return to Afghanistan after completing documentary proceedings.

The authorities said no final decision has been taken so far for complete restoration of trade activities and pedestrian movement.

DC Bilal Shahid said Torkham border was completely closed due to Pak-Aghan tension on October 11. However border has been reopened partly only for deportation.

According to UNHCR spokesperson Qaisar Khan Afridi overall 615000 illegal Afghan citizens have been sent to Afghanistan via Torkham till October 8. The deportation of more people is underway.