Pakistan had closed crossings alongside the two,600-km border with Afghanistan, together with the 2 principal border crossings at Torkham and Chaman. File | Photo Credit: AP
The commerce exercise was suspended on October 13 as a consequence of clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan forces, and it remained suspended for ten days, leaving scores of autos stranded.
Around 300 autos stranded at varied places are actually being cleared, starting with operations through the southwestern Chaman border crossing within the Balochistan province.
Quoting the Directorate of Transit Trade (Customs), The Express Tribune newspaper reported that the cargo operations will probably be accomplished in three phases, including that every one common transit commerce actions will resume on a “first in, first out” foundation as soon as the present backlog is cleared.
In the primary part, 9 autos that have been turned again when the Friendship Gate was closed will probably be reweighed and rescanned. Any discrepancies will result in a full inspection.
The Friendship Gate connects Balochistan province to Afghanistan’s Kandahar.
The second part will cowl 74 autos that have been returned from the NLC Border Terminal Yard. These can even bear reweighing and scanning, with full checks if inconsistencies are discovered.
The third part includes clearing 217 autos at present parked within the halting yard, which is able to then be allowed to cross the border into Afghanistan.
The directive added that pictures of all returning or halted autos will probably be taken and archived on the Friendship Gate to make sure transparency and correct documentation.
Officials mentioned the resumption of transit commerce is predicted to supply aid to merchants, transporters and cargo operators who suffered heavy losses through the border closure.
They added that safety checks and inspection procedures have been additional tightened to forestall smuggling and unlawful commerce.
The Chaman border stays Pakistan’s most vital land commerce route with Afghanistan, dealing with dozens of vans and consignments every day. Authorities hope that the phased reopening will restore easy cross-border commerce and strengthen financial ties between the 2 nations, based on the newspaper.
Pakistan had closed crossings alongside the two,600-km border with Afghanistan, together with the 2 principal border crossings at Torkham and Chaman, and not less than three minor crossings, at Kharlachi, Angoor Adda and Ghulam Khan.
On October 19, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a direct ceasefire throughout talks in Qatar. The two sides agreed to satisfy on October 25 in Istanbul to debate “detailed matters.”
The restoration of transit commerce is predicted to revive cross-border business exercise and enhance bilateral commerce relations, based on the newspaper.
Published – October 23, 2025 04:49 pm IST
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