Pakistan has partially reopened the Torkham and Chaman border crossings with Afghanistan—strictly for United Nations humanitarian shipments—after nearly 50 days of closure, following a UN appeal to ease worsening shortages across the border.
UN Aid Allowed, General Trade Still Suspended
Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi confirmed the decision, stressing that the move is limited to humanitarian grounds only.
“We have no problem with the Afghan people,” he said, clarifying that commercial trade remains suspended.
The Ministry of Commerce, in coordination with the Foreign Office, has instructed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Directorate General of Transit Trade to facilitate the phased movement of UN containers.
Three-Phase Clearance of Humanitarian Shipments
Authorities have been directed to expedite customs and transit procedures at both crossings. The phased plan includes:
Phase 1 — Food Supplies
Containers carrying food shipments from UN agencies.
Phase 2 — Medicine & Medical Equipment
Critical for Afghanistan’s strained healthcare system.
Phase 3 — Education Kits & Other Relief Items
School kits for teachers and students, along with other essential humanitarian goods.
According to the Commerce Ministry, the relief consignment includes:
- 74 containers from UNICEF
- 67 containers from the World Food Programme (WFP)
- 2 containers from UNFPA
Aid Reopens Amid Worsening Shortages in Afghanistan
The partial reopening comes as Afghanistan faces escalating shortages of food, medicines, and essential supplies due to the prolonged border closure. UN agencies including UNICEF, WFP, and UNFPA are coordinating emergency deliveries through the newly reopened lanes.
Background: Border Closure After Militant Attacks
Pakistan closed both crossings on October 12 after Afghan Taliban fighters and affiliated militants launched coordinated attacks on multiple border posts.
The clashes between October 11–12 resulted in the deaths of more than 200 militants and 23 Pakistani soldiers.
In response, Pakistan carried out precision strikes on militant hideouts inside Afghanistan’s Kandahar and Kabul regions.
A temporary ceasefire was reached on October 15 at Afghanistan’s request, later extended during Doha-mediated talks.
Humanitarian Gesture Amid Ongoing Security Concerns
Islamabad maintains that the partial reopening is a humanitarian step, while broader security, border management, and trade matters remain under review.
