KABUL, March 31 (Xinhua) -- The Afghanistan-Pakistan border crossing at Torkham was reopened on Tuesday morning to facilitate the return of Afghan migrants from Pakistan, according to the provincial government office of Nangarhar.
The Torkham border crossing has reopened to returning migrants, with all necessary preparations now underway at the Omari refugee camp (near the border) to receive and assist the returnees, the provincial government office said in a statement.
The crossing had been closed to returning migrants for nearly a month following cross-border clashes. It was briefly reopened on Thursday, only to be shut again later for unforeseen reasons.
Located in eastern Nangarhar province, Torkham serves as a vital trade and transit point between the two neighbors. The crossing had been closed to bilateral trade and cross-border movement since October last year amid heightened border tensions.
Border skirmishes and subsequent aerial strikes have continued since February, resulting in casualties and damage on both sides. ■