Hundreds of vehicles carrying Afghan nationals returning to Afghanistan have been left waiting at the Torkham border due to slow clearance and checking procedures, causing severe difficulties and distress among passengers.

According to sources, the vehicles are loaded with essential household belongings of Afghan families returning to their country. However, delays in customs clearance and checking have resulted in long queues, with passengers waiting for several hours.

The returnees said they were already facing significant hardships while making the journey back to Afghanistan. They added that delays in transporting their household belongings had further worsened their situation.

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According to the passengers, several families who have already reached Afghanistan are struggling without their essential belongings and some have reportedly been forced to sleep outdoors or on the ground.

The returning Afghan passengers appealed to the National Logistics Cell (NLC) and customs authorities to expedite the clearance and checking process on humanitarian grounds, particularly to prevent women, children and elderly people from facing prolonged waits.

They urged the authorities to take immediate notice of the situation at the Torkham border, speed up vehicle clearance and facilitate the return process.