ISLAMABAD: The Federal Ministry of Commerce has decided to reopen the Torkham and Chaman border crossings on humanitarian grounds, following consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The move comes after a 50-day suspension of trade routes with Afghanistan, which has led to severe shortages of food supplies and medicines in the neighboring country.
The ministry has issued a letter to the Member Customs (Operations) FBR Islamabad and the Director General Transit Trade Karachi, requesting facilitation of UN humanitarian cargo destined for Afghanistan.
The letter states that, in consultation with the Foreign Office, it has been decided to allow phase-wise clearance of containers belonging to UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Under the plan, food consignments will be cleared in the first phase, followed by medicines and medical equipment in the second. In the third phase, clearance will be granted for other essential items, including kits for students and teachers.
The Directorate General of Transit Trade and the Federal Board of Revenue have been asked to ensure smooth clearance and onward transportation of these containers through Torkham and Chaman routes.
It is noteworthy that all trade crossings with Afghanistan have remained closed since October 12, 2025, due to heightened border tensions.