the Khyber district’s Landi Kotal area, an important flag meeting was held on March 30, 2026, at the Torkham Zero Point between Pakistani and Afghan border officials. The meeting lasted from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM.
The purpose of the meeting was to hold detailed discussions on reopening the Torkham border for repatriation movement.
During the meeting, Pakistani officials urged the Afghan side to take full responsibility for the entire area from Shinkando to Dawood Post and ensure that no tensions arise again in the border region.
It was also clarified that both countries should refrain from any new construction or installations until the situation fully returns to normal.
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Pakistani officials emphasized maintaining the ceasefire at all costs and warned that any violation could lead to the closure of the Torkham border again. Additionally, both sides were urged to impose a complete ban on the display of weapons, movement, and unnecessary presence near the Zero Line.
Regarding IFR (repatriation movement), several proposals were discussed. Due to damage to the passenger terminal, a temporary arrangement was proposed to allow pedestrian movement through the Zero Line. It was also considered to set border operating hours from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
It was further agreed that trucks arriving for repatriation would undergo 100% inspection on both sides. A condition was also set that the same driver who brings the truck must take it back, and no individuals would be allowed to cross the border in empty vehicles.
The head of the Afghan delegation, Maulvi Taj Muhammad, stated during the meeting that the area beyond Shamshad Sar is not under his direct jurisdiction, as other Afghan security agencies are deployed there. However, he expressed willingness to take responsibility for maintaining the ceasefire from Shamshad Sar to Khyber Post.
He further stated that all points discussed in the meeting would be presented to senior Afghan authorities, and time until 10:30 AM on March 31 was required for consultation. He assured that the Afghan side’s response would be shared soon.
According to sources, if both sides reach an agreement on the discussed points, the next meeting will formally announce the final date and timings for reopening the Torkham border for repatriation movement.
Sources added that the Pakistani delegation was led by Lieutenant Colonel Waqas (FC 146 Wing), while the Afghan side was represented by Torkham Commissioner Maulvi Taj Muhammad.

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