The long-standing closure of Pakistan-Afghanistan trade routes may finally come to an end soon, as indications emerge that border crossings will reopen following an 11-day suspension caused by ongoing tensions between the two neighbors. The potential reopening is expected to restore vital commercial activities that were abruptly halted after recent border skirmishes.
At the Chaman border, one of the busiest crossing points between the two countries, the Bab-e-Dosti (Friendship Gate) has remained closed for trade and passenger movement. However, more than 500 empty Pakistani trucks stranded across the border in Spin Boldak, Afghanistan, have now successfully returned, signaling that authorities may be preparing to resume trade operations in a phased manner.
According to Customs officials, as of today, permission is being granted only for empty Pakistani vehicles to cross into Afghanistan to transport Afghan citizens back to their country. The officials added that a large number of travelers who were crossing the border using valid visas and passports remain stranded on both sides due to the extended shutdown.
In recent days, Pakistan has also intensified efforts to repatriate over 2,000 Afghan nationals who were residing illegally within its borders. The repatriations form part of a broader operation aimed at regulating cross-border movement and curbing unauthorized stay.
Meanwhile, at the Torkham border crossing—another crucial trade gateway—authorities have reportedly completed all necessary preparations for reopening. New cargo scanners have been installed to expedite customs clearance, and officials are coordinating with their Afghan counterparts to resume normal trade operations as soon as possible. Long lines of cargo trucks, carrying essential goods and commercial consignments, have formed on both sides of the border, awaiting clearance.
The closure has not been limited to the main crossings. Other key entry points, including Angoor Adda in South Waziristan, Ghulam Khan in North Waziristan, and Kharlachi in Kurram district, have also remained sealed for the past ten days. The suspension of trade and movement across these routes has disrupted supply chains and left traders facing significant financial losses.
Officials from Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) revealed that more than 5,000 Pakistani citizens remain stranded inside Afghanistan due to the border shutdown, including truck drivers, traders, and laborers. Efforts are now being made to facilitate their safe return once the crossings reopen.
The closure of trade routes has had a noticeable economic impact on both countries. Markets in border regions such as Chaman and Spin Boldak have faced acute shortages of essential commodities, while Pakistani exporters and Afghan importers have suffered delays in deliveries of food items, construction materials, and consumer goods.
