Chaman- Spin Boldak border open again for Pakistan-Afghanistan trade

QUETTA: The Spin Boldak border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been reopened only for trade activities, according to sources.

Due to some sensitive issues, pedestrian movement of ordinary citizens has not been allowed yet.

Officials related to trade crossing and clearance on both sides of the border have assumed their responsibilities.

Today, only empty trucks have been allowed to enter, while passports and visas have been made mandatory for Afghan drivers.

According to sources, the Torkham border will also be opened tomorrow on the same conditions, regarding which a letter has been sent to the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad.

The other three crossing points, Ghulam Khan, Angor Adda, and Kharlachi, are likely to remain inactive for the time being.

Earlier, in view of the tense situation with Afghanistan, Pakistan has closed the border crossing points of Torkham and Chaman for an indefinite period from October 12, due to which Afghan transit trade has been severely affected.

In this regard, an important letter has been sent by the Directorate General of Transit Trade Customs House Karachi to the Chief Operations FBR, a copy of which has been obtained by ABN News.

According to the letter, the processing of transit consignments going to Afghanistan has been temporarily stopped, which will remain suspended until the border operation is fully restored.

According to the document, this step has been taken to avoid rush at border stations, possible obstacles, and to ensure the safety of bonded goods.

The letter states that consultations have also been held with port terminal operators, bonded carriers, Afghan clearing agents and tracking companies in this regard.

It has been further stated that the border crossing points at Torkham and Chaman have been closed for all commercial activities, as a result of which hundreds of transit vehicles going to Afghanistan have been stranded at the border.

The letter states that these vehicles are equipped with modern tracking and monitoring systems, including tracking devices and RFID cells.