Pakistan Afghanistan transit trade has officially resumed after a 10-day suspension, as a high-level Pakistani technical delegation arrived in Kabul to hold talks on improving the visa issuance system for Afghan nationals and strengthening cross-border cooperation.
A high-level Pakistani technical delegation has arrived in Kabul to discuss improvements in the visa issuance system for Afghan nationals, coinciding with the phased resumption of Afghan transit trade through the Chaman border after a 10-day suspension.
Focus on Visa System Reforms
According to diplomatic sources, the Pakistani delegation includes officials from the Ministry of Interior, relevant departments, and technical experts. The visit aims to review and enhance the visa process at the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul to make it faster, more transparent, and more efficient.
Officials said the discussions will cover the introduction of online visa issuance, improvements in biometric verification, and other procedural reforms designed to ease travel and communication between the people of both countries.
Sources clarified that the visit was scheduled before the recent border tensions and armed clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan and is not linked to any ceasefire or negotiation process.
Transit Trade Resumes After Ceasefire
In a related development, Pakistan has resumed Afghan transit trade on a First In, First Out (FIFO) basis, following an “immediate ceasefire” agreement reached with the Taliban government during talks in Doha, Qatar.
A notification issued by Pakistan Customs’ Directorate of Transit Trade confirmed that cargo operations will proceed in three phases to clear the backlog of vehicles stranded at various points during the closure.
In the first phase, nine vehicles that were turned back when the Friendship Gate was closed will be reweighed and rescanned.
The second phase involves 74 vehicles from the NLC Border Terminal Yard, while the third phase covers 217 trucks parked in the halting area, all of which will be allowed to cross into Afghanistan once inspections are complete.
Officials emphasized that all vehicles will be photographed and archived to ensure transparency and prevent smuggling or illegal trade.
Relief for Traders and Transporters
Authorities said the reopening of trade routes is expected to provide much-needed relief to traders, transporters, and cargo operators who faced heavy financial losses during the 10-day closure. Security checks have been further strengthened to ensure regulated trade activity across the border.
The Chaman border remains Pakistan’s most significant land trade crossing with Afghanistan, handling dozens of cargo consignments daily. Officials expressed hope that the phased reopening will help restore normal trade flows and strengthen bilateral economic ties.
Pakistan had earlier closed all major border crossings — including Torkham, Chaman, and minor routes at Kharlachi, Angoor Adda, and Ghulam Khan — on October 11 amid heightened tensions. The two sides later agreed to an immediate ceasefire and are scheduled to meet in Istanbul on October 25 for further talks.
