ISLAMABAD: After nearly two months of halted cross-border cargo movement, Pakistan has begun clearing humanitarian consignments for Afghanistan, marking the first controlled reopening of transit trade since routine trade was suspended in October. The move comes as thousands of vehicles remained stranded at major border crossings.
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Pakistan had suspended all customs clearance for exports, imports and Afghan Transit Trade (ATT) cargos at Torkham, Ghulam Khan, Kharlachi and Angoor Adda from October 12, and at Chaman from October 15. The suspension brought commercial activity to a standstill, leaving truck drivers and customs workers without work for weeks.
Officials said an official directive was issued to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Directorate General of Transit Trade to allow movement of consignments belonging to three United Nations agencies. The clearance will take place through the Chaman and Torkham border crossings.
Humanitarian Relief Allowed Through Pak–Afghan Border
Pakistan has issued an important announcement regarding the movement of UN humanitarian cargo through Chaman and Torkham.
Only selected UN containers have been granted permission to deliver relief goods to Afghanistan on… pic.twitter.com/mx6s9vtFkG— War Analyst (@War_Analysts) December 3, 2025
In the first phase, 143 containers of humanitarian supplies will be processed. These include 67 containers of food assistance from the World Food Programme (WFP), 74 containers of children’s supplies from Unicef and two containers of healthcare and family support materials from UNFPA.
Authorities confirmed the decision followed instructions from the foreign ministry after consultations with the UN resident coordinator in Pakistan. They added that the movement of goods will be completed in three stages: food first, followed by medical supplies, and finally items related to education.
Pakistan has allowed a limited batch of UN aid trucks to move through Chaman and Torkham. The approved cargo includes food, medicines and basic relief items. A total of 67 WFP containers, 74 UNICEF containers and 2 from UNFPA have been cleared. More will follow once this first… pic.twitter.com/cO42xB4Vb2
— Zara (@ZaraWrites) December 3, 2025
The letter also noted that more consignments are expected as UN agencies submit updated requirements. FBR and the transit directorate have been directed to ensure clearance and onward transportation under the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement.
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Despite the partial reopening, officials stressed that the move applies solely to humanitarian ATT cargo and does not signal the resumption of routine trade. Currently, 495 vehicles are queued for border crossing, with 412 stuck in Chaman and 83 at Torkham.
During fiscal year 2024–25, Pakistan handled transit trade imports valued at $1.012 billion, with a total of 42,959 containers processed.