Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan resumed Afghan transit trade following a 10-day hiatus, prompted by an “immediate ceasefire” agreement between Pakistan and Taliban authorities in Doha, Qatar.
Approximately 300 vehicles that had been stranded at various points are now being processed, starting with those at the Chaman border crossing.
According to the Directorate of Transit Trade (Customs), the clearance will take place in three phases. The authority emphasized that once the backlog is cleared, regular transit trade will continue based on a “first in, first out” principle.
In the first phase, nine vehicles, which were previously sent back when the Friendship Gate was closed, will undergo reweighing and rescanning. Any irregularities found will lead to a full inspection.
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The second phase involves 74 vehicles that were turned away from the NLC Border Terminal Yard. Like the first group, they will also be reweighed and rescanned, with additional checks if discrepancies are found, The Express Tribune reported.
Finally, the third phase will address 217 vehicles that have been halted at the yard, allowing them to cross into Afghanistan once all procedures are completed.
To ensure transparency, photos of all halted or returning vehicles will be taken and stored at the Friendship Gate.
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The resumption of transit trade is a relief for traders, transporters, and cargo operators who faced significant losses during the closure. Authorities have also strengthened security checks and inspections to curb smuggling and illegal trade activities.
Chaman remains Pakistan’s key land route for trade with Afghanistan, handling a large volume of trucks and goods daily. Officials are hopeful that the phased reopening will help restore seamless trade and strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.
