Thu Oct 23 11:19:39 UTC 2025: Summary:

Following a ceasefire agreement, Pakistan has begun a phased resumption of Afghan transit trade after a 10-day suspension due to clashes along the border. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded due to the border closure, and the reopening process will prioritize clearing the backlog in three stages, starting with the Chaman border crossing. Tightened security measures are in place to prevent smuggling. The move is expected to relieve losses incurred by traders and boost cross-border economic activity.

News Article:

Pakistan Resumes Afghan Transit Trade After Ceasefire

Islamabad – Pakistan has initiated a phased resumption of Afghan transit trade following a recent ceasefire agreement with the Afghan Taliban government. Trade had been suspended for ten days beginning October 13 due to clashes along the 2,600-km border, leaving approximately 300 vehicles stranded.

The Express Tribune reported that the reopening commenced at the southwestern Chaman border crossing in Balochistan province. Authorities are prioritizing clearing the backlog of vehicles in three stages. Strict security checks and inspection procedures have been implemented to prevent smuggling and illegal trade.

In the first phase, nine vehicles that were turned back when the Friendship Gate was closed will be reweighed and rescanned. Any discrepancies will lead to a full inspection.The Friendship Gate connects Balochistan province to Afghanistan’s Kandahar. The second phase will cover 74 vehicles that were returned from the NLC Border Terminal Yard. These will also undergo reweighing and scanning, with complete checks if inconsistencies are found. The third phase involves clearing 217 vehicles currently parked in the halting yard, which will then be allowed to cross the border into Afghanistan.

Officials anticipate the resumption of trade to alleviate the financial burden on traders, transporters, and cargo operators who suffered significant losses during the border closure. The move is also expected to stimulate cross-border commercial activity and improve bilateral trade relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire on October 19 during talks in Qatar. Further discussions are scheduled for October 25 in Istanbul to address outstanding issues.

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