Following a nine-day trade suspension at the Chaman border due to Pak-Afghan tensions, a significant breakthrough has been achieved after a recent agreement in Qatar. Hundreds of empty trucks, which had been stranded in Spin Boldak, Afghanistan, have begun re-entering Pakistan via the Chaman crossing.
This development brings crucial relief to approximately 2,000 Pakistani drivers and support staff who were stuck in Spin Boldak during the suspension.
The partial reopening was made possible through joint negotiations involving the Chaman Chamber of Commerce, the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber, and the Kandahar Chamber of Commerce. According to officials, the hundreds of returning empty containers and trucks were permitted to use “Gate 4” for re-entry, rather than the main “Bab-e-Dosti” (Friendship Gate).
In addition to the returning cargo vehicles, trucks transporting Afghan citizens back into Afghanistan were also allowed to cross.
Meanwhile, preparations are also underway to restore trade activities at the Torkham border. Customs sources confirm that a new scanner for cargo vehicle clearance has been delivered to the Torkham terminal, and staff have been instructed to report to the terminal immediately.
