Islamabad: Pakistan has decided to reopen the Torkham and Chaman border crossings for humanitarian trade with Afghanistan, the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday. The move comes after more than 50 days of closure and aims to address severe shortages of food and medical supplies inside Afghanistan.
Decision Made on Humanitarian Grounds
The ministry announced that the decision followed consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Officials said the reopening would help ensure the availability of essential goods for Afghan civilians, who have been facing acute shortages due to the halted trade routes.
To implement the decision, the Ministry of Commerce sent formal directives to the Federal Board of Revenue’s Member Customs (Operations) in Islamabad and the Director General of Transit Trade in Karachi.
Priority for UN Aid Cargo
According to the letters, Pakistan will facilitate the movement of United Nations humanitarian cargo meant for Afghanistan. The ministry requested that agencies expedite clearance processes to ensure timely delivery of critical supplies.
The reopening will occur in phases. In the first phase, food consignments will be cleared. The second phase will focus on the movement of medicines and medical equipment. The final phase will allow the transit of other essential items, including kits for students and teachers.
Authorities Asked to Ensure Smooth Transit
The FBR and the Directorate General of Transit Trade have been asked to take all necessary steps to ensure the smooth clearance and onward transportation of the aid containers headed for Afghanistan via the Torkham and Chaman routes.
Border Closed Since October
Pakistan had shut all major trade crossings with Afghanistan on 12 October 2025 following heightened tensions between the two countries. Officials said the latest decision reflects Islamabad’s commitment to supporting the Afghan population on humanitarian grounds despite political strains.
The two crossings are expected to reopen gradually as aid shipments begin moving toward Afghanistan in the coming days.
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