In a significant development reported on Thursday, Pakistan has announced the phased resumption of Afghan transit trade, a move that follows a recent ceasefire agreement with the Afghan Taliban government.
This vital trade route had been shut down for ten days since October 13, a direct consequence of escalating clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces, which left numerous cargo vehicles stranded at the border.
Efforts are now underway to clear approximately 300 vehicles that were stuck across various locations. The initial phase of this operation is commencing at the Chaman border crossing in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, a key gateway for cross-border movement.
According to a report from The Express Tribune, which cited the Directorate of Transit Trade (Customs), cargo operations will unfold in three distinct stages. Once the current backlog is fully addressed, regular transit trade will then proceed on a “first in, first out” basis.
The first stage focuses on nine vehicles that were initially turned away when the Friendship Gate was closed. These vehicles will undergo reweighing and rescanning, with any inconsistencies triggering a thorough inspection.
The Friendship Gate serves as a crucial link, connecting Pakistan’s Balochistan province with Afghanistan’s Kandahar.
Following this, the second phase will address 74 vehicles that were sent back from the NLC Border Terminal Yard. Like the first group, these will also be reweighed and scanned, with full inspections conducted if any discrepancies are detected.
Finally, the third phase will see the clearance of 217 vehicles currently awaiting passage in the halting yard, allowing them to proceed into Afghanistan.
To ensure full transparency and meticulous documentation, the directive specifies that photographs of all returning or halted vehicles will be taken and archived at the Friendship Gate.
Officials anticipate that this resumption of transit trade will bring much-needed relief to traders, transporters, and cargo operators who faced significant financial setbacks during the period of border closure.
Furthermore, authorities have confirmed that security checks and inspection protocols have been reinforced to actively deter smuggling and illicit trade activities.
As Pakistan’s primary land trade route with Afghanistan, the Chaman border typically processes numerous trucks and consignments daily. The newspaper reports that authorities are hopeful this phased reopening will not only normalize cross-border commerce but also bolster economic relations between the two nations.
Prior to the suspension, Pakistan had closed all crossings along its extensive 2,600-kilometer border with Afghanistan, including major points like Torkham and Chaman, as well as at least three smaller crossings at Kharlachi, Angoor Adda, and Ghulam Khan.
This positive development comes after Pakistan and Afghanistan reached an immediate ceasefire agreement during discussions held in Qatar on October 19. Both parties have also scheduled a follow-up meeting in Istanbul on October 25 to delve into more detailed matters.
The newspaper concludes by stating that the restoration of transit trade is set to revitalize cross-border commercial activity and is expected to significantly enhance bilateral trade relations.