Pakistan Resumes Afghan Transit Trade After Ceasefire Agreement

Pakistan Afghan trade has restarted after a 10-day suspension. The decision follows the ceasefire agreement reached with the Taliban government in Doha, Qatar. Officials confirmed that cargo movement resumed on a phased basis through the Chaman border.

Phased Reopening Begins

Around 300 vehicles had been stranded during the closure. Customs officials have started clearing them in three stages. In the first phase, nine trucks turned back earlier will be reweighed and rescanned. Any mismatch in data will trigger a full inspection.
The second phase includes 74 vehicles returned from the NLC Border Terminal Yard. Authorities will check these through scanning and reweighing. If irregularities appear, officials will conduct detailed inspections.
In the final phase, 217 vehicles parked in the halting yard will cross into Afghanistan. Customs teams will photograph all returning and halted trucks for proper recordkeeping at the Friendship Gate. This measure aims to ensure transparency and prevent smuggling.

Boost for Cross-Border Trade

Pakistan had closed its crossings on October 11 along the 2,600-km border with Afghanistan. Major points like Torkham, Chaman, and minor routes at Kharlachi, Angoor Adda, and Ghulam Khan were sealed.
On October 19, both countries agreed to a ceasefire in Qatar. They will meet again in Istanbul on October 25 to discuss further issues.
The Chaman crossing remains the most vital land trade route between the two nations. Authorities hope the reopening will revive business, support traders, and restore smooth economic activity across the border.