Hundreds of Afghan students, whose educational pursuits lie across the Durand Line in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), find themselves in a precarious situation, stranded in Kabul.
Their hopes for a better future are trapped by border politics, strict visa rules, and tense relations between Kabul and Islamabad.
The Torkham border crossing, which is one of the main travel routes between the two countries, is a constant flashpoint.
It is frequently shut down with little notice due to political disputes and armed clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces.
These closures, sometimes lasting for weeks, leave thousands of people, including students, stranded and turn the border into a bottleneck of frustration and economic hardship.
Although officially open to those with valid documents, the crossing’s unpredictability makes it unreliable for students who must commute for their studies.
Uncertain future
For Afghans, obtaining a Pakistani visa is a significant hurdle.
Pakistan's visa policy for Afghan citizens, including students, requires a rigorous application process.
To secure a study visa, applicants need Pakistan's No-Objection Certificate (NOC), a valid passport, and an admission letter from a recognized Pakistani educational institution.
This policy has increased insecurity among Afghans in Pakistan, including students who may struggle to renew their documents.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed concern over these forced returns and continues to advocate for the protection of registered refugees.
Political mistrust
The underlying tension is rooted in the long-standing dispute over the Durand Line, the colonial-era border that divides the Pashtuns between the two countries.
This historical grievance fuels political mistrust and contributes to the frequent and abrupt closures of the border, directly impacting the lives of ordinary people.
The international community helps returnees by providing cash assistance, health care, and protection counseling at reception centers on the Afghan side of the border.
However, the scale of the return and the instability in the region put immense pressure on these services.
For the stranded students, the path to their classrooms in Pakistan remains fraught with uncertainty.
Their future hangs in the balance, dependent on the political climate between two historically entangled neighbors.
