ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to reopen the Torkham and Chaman border crossings exclusively for the United Nations humanitarian cargo, restoring limited movement after nearly 50 days of complete closure of all trade routes with Afghanistan.
Sources reveal that the Ministry of Commerce reached this decision after consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The move comes amid growing shortages of food supplies and medicines in Afghanistan following the prolonged suspension of cross-border trade.
To facilitate the process, the Ministry of Commerce has issued a formal letter to the Member Customs (Operations), FBR Islamabad, and the Director General Transit Trade, FBR Karachi. The letter requests that all necessary measures be taken to enable the smooth movement of UN humanitarian containers. According to the communication, Pakistan — after coordination with the Foreign Office — has approved a phased clearance of containers belonging to UNICEF, World Food Programme (WFP), and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The phased clearance plan is as follows:
1. First Phase: Containers carrying food supplies for Afghanistan.
2. Second Phase: Containers transporting medicines and medical equipment.
3. Third Phase: Containers carrying other essential items, including kits for students and teachers.
Both the Directorate General of Transit Trade and the FBR have been asked to expedite clearance procedures and onward transit arrangements so that these humanitarian shipments can be dispatched through the Torkham and Chaman routes without delay.
