Peshawar( The COW News Digital)After nearly eleven days of closure following border clashes, Pakistan and Afghanistan are likely to reopen key trade crossings soon, signaling a potential thaw in bilateral tensions.
According to official sources, the Bab-e-Dosti border in Chaman remains closed for commercial activities, but over 500 empty Pakistani trucks stranded in Spin Boldak have been allowed to return to Pakistan. Customs officials confirmed that from today, only empty Pakistani vehicles carrying Afghan nationals are being permitted to cross back. The prolonged shutdown has left hundreds of travelers with valid visas and passports stranded on both sides of the border.
Authorities further revealed that over 2,000 Afghan citizens residing illegally in Pakistan have been repatriated in recent days as part of the government’s ongoing operation to regulate cross-border movement.
Meanwhile, preparations to reopen the Torkham trade crossing are almost complete. New cargo scanners have been installed to expedite clearance procedures, and long queues of trucks can be seen waiting on both sides. The closure has led to significant disruption in the supply chain and an increase in transportation costs for traders.
In addition to Chaman and Torkham, other major trade routes, including Angoor Adda in South Waziristan, Ghulam Khan in North Waziristan, and Kharlachi in Kurram District, have also remained sealed for over ten days. Local officials and business communities are urging both governments to restore trade links immediately, warning that continued suspension could inflict severe economic losses on small traders and daily wage earners dependent on cross-border commerce.
An official from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) stated that more than 5,000 Pakistani nationals remain stranded in Afghanistan, awaiting clearance to return. “Efforts are underway to ensure their safe and early repatriation,” the official said.
Government sources have indicated that if the security situation stabilizes, trade activity between the two neighbors could resume within the next few days. Analysts believe reopening the borders would not only revive economic exchange but also help rebuild trust between Islamabad and Kabul — a relationship strained by recent security incidents and political disagreements.
