Pakistan to resume Afghan transit trade in phased plan

Pakistan’s customs authorities have announced a step-by-step restoration of Afghan transit trade following the recent ceasefire arrangement between Islamabad and Kabul. The Directorate of Transit Trade outlined a three-stage clearance plan to begin unblocking cargo stuck at the border.

In the first phase, nine vehicles that were turned back after the closure of the Bab-e-Dosti crossing will be processed. The second stage covers 74 vehicles that had returned from the National Logistics Cell terminal, while the third stage will clear 217 trucks parked at the halting yard, paving the way for onward movement into Afghanistan.

Local officials in Chaman said hundreds of freight vehicles remain stranded due to the extended suspension. They counted more than 370 trucks parked in cities across Balochistan, around 300 at terminals in Chaman, and over 500 freight vehicles—plus 150 tied to Central Asian transit—still awaiting clearance.

The border was shut after deadly attacks on Pakistani posts in mid-October sparked heavy clashes. Pakistan reported dozens of militant casualties and 23 soldiers martyred, and carried out what it called precision strikes inside Afghanistan. A temporary truce announced on October 15 was extended before both sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire; talks are slated in Istanbul on October 25 to discuss next steps.