ISLAMABAD: After almost 50 days of closure, Pakistan has decided to allow the reopening of the Torkham and Chaman crossings for United Nations humanitarian supplies. The decision was made after detailed consultations between the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The move comes at a time when Afghanistan is facing growing shortages of food and medicines. The long suspension of cross-border movement created serious disruptions, especially for aid agencies working inside Afghanistan. The latest step signals Pakistan to open Torkham for limited and controlled humanitarian operations.
According to officials, the Ministry of Commerce has issued a formal letter to the Member Customs (Operations) at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Islamabad and the Director General Transit Trade in Karachi. The letter instructs both offices to make all necessary arrangements for the smooth passage of UN aid containers.
The communication confirms that Pakistan, after coordination with the Foreign Office, has approved a phased clearance plan for containers belonging to UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). In the first phase, containers with food items will be allowed to cross. In the second phase, shipments containing medicines and medical equipment will be cleared. The third phase will include essential supplies such as education kits for students and teachers.
The Commerce Ministry has urged the Directorate General of Transit Trade and the FBR to speed up all clearance procedures so that aid can reach Afghanistan without delay. This controlled reopening again highlights Pakistan to open Torkham strictly for humanitarian needs and not for full trade activities.
Pakistan closed both the Torkham and Chaman borders on October 12. The closure followed attacks by the Afghan Taliban and their allied militants on several Pakistan Army posts. These assaults triggered heavy clashes, resulting in the killing of more than 200 militants. Pakistan also lost 23 soldiers during the fighting.
In response, Pakistan carried out precise strikes inside Afghanistan targeting militant positions in Kabul and Kandahar. A temporary 48-hour ceasefire was later arranged on Afghanistan’s request. It was extended for another 48 hours as delegations from both sides moved to Doha for talks. Qatar mediated the negotiations, which led to a formal ceasefire agreement on October 19. Türkiye also played a role in the discussions.
Talks in Türkiye initially collapsed after Pakistan rejected what it called “illogical” arguments from the Taliban delegation. However, mediators convinced both sides to continue dialogue, which eventually restored the ceasefire.
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As humanitarian needs grow, the latest decision for Pakistan to open Torkham in phases is seen as an important step to ensure timely delivery of aid to millions of vulnerable Afghans.
