Pakistan Border Trade
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ghazi52
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National Logistics Cell (NLC) is playing a crucial role in boosting Pakistan’s agricultural exports through regional cooperation.
With NLC’s support, Pakistan has established trade routes with Central Asia, China, and Russia.
As of a recent report, Pakistan has completed 300 successful trade operations with seven countries in the Shanghai region.
In March 2023, NLC, in collaboration with NDMA, swiftly delivered aid to Türkiye following the earthquake.Pakistan continues to enhance bilateral relations with neighboring countries like Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkmenistan, using them as transit states to export goods, including meat, fruits, and vegetables, to China, Russia, and Central Asia. These exports have significantly contributed to foreign exchange earnings and strengthened regional cooperation.
With NLC’s support, Pakistan has established trade routes with Central Asia, China, and Russia.
As of a recent report, Pakistan has completed 300 successful trade operations with seven countries in the Shanghai region.
In March 2023, NLC, in collaboration with NDMA, swiftly delivered aid to Türkiye following the earthquake.Pakistan continues to enhance bilateral relations with neighboring countries like Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkmenistan, using them as transit states to export goods, including meat, fruits, and vegetables, to China, Russia, and Central Asia. These exports have significantly contributed to foreign exchange earnings and strengthened regional cooperation.
ghazi52
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In response to the increasing trade with regional countries, National Logistics Corporation (NLC) has significantly enhanced its fleet with the procurement of 500 modern, high-powered trucks.
These advanced vehicles are designed for long-haul operations. Prime Movers brought in Pakistan by road through Khunjerab Pass by saving lot of time and expenditure as compared to sea transportation.
The introduction of these trucks is a strategic move to strengthen “Regional Connectivity” under the TIR (The International Road Transport). This initiative was taken by NLC with the launch of first commercial operation in 2021.
Since then, NLC has progressively extended land-based transportation operation to Central Asian Republics, China, Russia, Turkiye, Azerbaijan & beyond while plans are afoot to expand NLC’s outreach to other countries in Eastern Europe.
Powered by advanced technology and delivering 390 horsepower, these trucks are equipped to handle the demanding requirements of long-distance transportation and will be utilized for the transportation of goods via road to various destinations.
The addition of these state-of-the-art trucks to NLC's fleet will enhance its cross-border logistics capabilities, contributing to the growth of regional trade & connectivity
These advanced vehicles are designed for long-haul operations. Prime Movers brought in Pakistan by road through Khunjerab Pass by saving lot of time and expenditure as compared to sea transportation.
The introduction of these trucks is a strategic move to strengthen “Regional Connectivity” under the TIR (The International Road Transport). This initiative was taken by NLC with the launch of first commercial operation in 2021.
Since then, NLC has progressively extended land-based transportation operation to Central Asian Republics, China, Russia, Turkiye, Azerbaijan & beyond while plans are afoot to expand NLC’s outreach to other countries in Eastern Europe.
Powered by advanced technology and delivering 390 horsepower, these trucks are equipped to handle the demanding requirements of long-distance transportation and will be utilized for the transportation of goods via road to various destinations.
The addition of these state-of-the-art trucks to NLC's fleet will enhance its cross-border logistics capabilities, contributing to the growth of regional trade & connectivity
ghazi52
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Bill for port authority tabled after 12 years
From the NewspaperDecember 17, 2024
ISLAMABAD: After a delay of 12 years, the government introduced a bill in the National Assembly on Monday to establish a land port authority in order to facilitate the movement of goods and people across border crossing points and to reduce the cost of doing business.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar moved the bill on behalf of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah, however, did not refer the bill to the committee concerned.
The Pakistan Peoples Party government made the first attempt to establish a land port authority in 2012 under the ambit of the ministry of commerce, while the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government made the second attempt in 2021.
With the bill’s approval, Pakistan would become the third South Asian country, after Bangladesh and India, to have a land port authority. The Bangladesh Land Port Authority was created in 2002, while India did so in March 2012.
India has identified Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar for setting up integrated checkpoints (ICPs) at all exit and entry points. India has already opened an ICP at the Waga border with Pakistan.
The bill envisages that the organisation, to be known as Pakistan Land Port Authority, would function as a statutory body responsible for inter-agency coordination to facilitate the movement of goods and people across border crossing points.
It will provide a framework for the declaration, regulation, security and oversight of all land ports for purposes of promoting trade, fostering free competition, implementing border control and protecting the country’s strategic interests.
The proposed authority will establish a robust mechanism to carry out effective coordination with border agencies for trade facilitation in pursuance of commitments under international agreements and conventions for improved land port efficiency and regional port competitiveness.
Currently, there is no single agency for coordinated functioning of various government authorities and service providers at international border points.
This lack of coordination sometimes causes delay in flow of goods and passengers. The installation of high-tech technology is needed at these land ports to check illegal immigration and smuggling of goods.
The bill proposes that the prime minister will establish a 16-member governing council for overall supervision of the authority.
Published in Dawn, December 17th, 2024
ghazi52
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Govt announces opening of new border crossing with Iran
Saleem ShahidJanuary 13, 2025
QUETTA: The federal government has announced the opening of a new crossing point at the Pakistan-Iran border in Panjgur, in collaboration with Iran, to facilitate legal trade activities between the two countries, discourage smuggling of goods and provide employment and business opportunities to the people living on both sides of the border of the two countries.
The new trade route in the Kohak Cheedgi area will boost business activities in Panjgur area of Balochistan.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has notified the opening of the fourth official border crossing point between Pakistan and Iran at Kohak Cheedgi area of Panjgur.
A letter, signed by Secretary of Transit and Border Trade Zubair Shah, directed the Collectorate of Customs in Gwadar to take necessary steps in Kohak Cheedgi area of Panjgur border crossing point and coordinate with other stakeholders and departments concerned to ensure required infrastructure development in the area immediately.
A progress report should also be submitted in this regard, the FBR letter said.
The federal government move to open the new border crossing at Pak-Iran border in Kohak Cheedgi to facilitate legal trade activities was welcomed the business community of Balochistan.
The Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, Mohammad Ayub Mirani, Senior Vice President Haji Akhtar Kakar and other QCCI leaders have welcomed the new border crossing
They said the establishment of this crossing point had been a long-standing demand of businessmen in Balochistan and efforts had been made at various forums for opening of this border crossing to boost-up trade activities.
With the issuance of the federal government’s notification for the opening of this new trade route, formal trade between the two countries will now commence, providing employment opportunities to local people and boosting up business activities.
Additionally, the new border crossing opening will facilitate businessmen involved in legal import and export business and discourage the smuggling of goods between the two countries.
In December, Pakistan and Iran inaugurated the Gabd-Rimdan border crossing to increase trade and people-to-people exchanges.
The border crossing point between Rimdan in Iran’s southeastern Sistan province and Gabd in Pakistan’s Balochistan province is located about 120km from the Iranian port of Chabahar and 70km from Gwadar port.
On the occasion, the Foreign Office had explained that the purpose of this Gabd-Rimdan and other proposed border crossing points was to enhance ‘people-to-people contacts’ and facilitate travel and trade between the two countries.
“Opening of Gabd-Rimdan crossing point had been under discussion between Pakistan and Iran at various levels,” the FO had stated.
Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2025
ghazi52
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NLC makes Angoor Adda Border Terminal function in just 30 days
NLC says it developed requisite infrastructure to make fully functional terminal
BR Web Desk
October 2, 2025
In line with the government’s policy of developing border terminals on important crossing points and responding to the long-standing demands of local tribes, the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) established border terminal at Angoor Adda in South Waziristan district.
The project was completed in record 30 days despite daunting challenges such as the absence of roads, electricity, water and communication systems in the area by employing local construction workers and engineers, NLC said in a press release.
NLC said it developed a requisite infrastructure to make a fully functional terminal. Offices and accommodation for relevant government agencies including Customs, FIA, Plant Protection Department and others involved in cross-border trade have been made available in the terminal.
The Angoor Border Terminal has been equipped with weighbridges, container and truck yards, banking services, Fiber-Optic connectivity and uninterrupted power supply through heavy-duty generators. Equally significant is the connectivity of Customs WeBOC and FIA’s IBMS with internet enabling real-time digital coordination and smooth management of cross-border transactions. Plans are also underway to install cargo scanner shortly.
“By formalising trade with Afghanistan, Angoor Adda Border Terminal opens new avenues for local tribes who can now export their produce through a shorter and more convenient route. It is pertinent to mention here that NLC has provided 100 % jobs to the youth of local tribes thereby providing them with a sustainable livelihood and contributing directly to socio-economic uplift in the region,” the handout said.
ghazi52
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Ongoing border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have brought all forms of bilateral and transit trade to a standstill since Sunday, October 12, causing severe economic losses on both sides and leaving thousands of trucks stranded along the main crossings.
According to security sources, the suspension followed an exchange of fire late on the night between October 11 and 12, when Afghan forces allegedly opened unprovoked fire on Pakistani border troops. Pakistani forces responded robustly, triggering heightened tensions along the entire frontier from Chitral to Balochistan. As a result, all four major trade gateways, Torkham, Kharlachi, Ghulam Khan, and Chaman, were closed indefinitely.
The closure has paralyzed cross-border trade and halted the Afghan transit trade, dealing a blow worth billions of rupees to both economies.
According to security sources, the suspension followed an exchange of fire late on the night between October 11 and 12, when Afghan forces allegedly opened unprovoked fire on Pakistani border troops. Pakistani forces responded robustly, triggering heightened tensions along the entire frontier from Chitral to Balochistan. As a result, all four major trade gateways, Torkham, Kharlachi, Ghulam Khan, and Chaman, were closed indefinitely.
The closure has paralyzed cross-border trade and halted the Afghan transit trade, dealing a blow worth billions of rupees to both economies.
ghazi52
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Fresh data from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for fiscal year 202425 highlights the scale of the disruption. Annually, Pakistan imports goods worth $66.328 million from Afghanistan through the Torkham crossing and exports goods valued at $62.766 million.
Through the Ghulam Khan route, imports average $80.109 million and exports $33.240 million per year. The Kharlachi crossing accounts for imports of $30.38 million and exports of $27.32 million, while trade through the Chaman gateway includes imports of $80.289 million and exports of $265.06 million annually.
Collectively, Pakistan's four main border points with Afghanistan handle average annual imports worth $566.766 million and exports totalling $1.504 billion, contributing significantly to the national exchequer. FBR data shows that bilateral trade generates an estimated Rs46.867 billion annually in customs duties alone.
Through the Ghulam Khan route, imports average $80.109 million and exports $33.240 million per year. The Kharlachi crossing accounts for imports of $30.38 million and exports of $27.32 million, while trade through the Chaman gateway includes imports of $80.289 million and exports of $265.06 million annually.
Collectively, Pakistan's four main border points with Afghanistan handle average annual imports worth $566.766 million and exports totalling $1.504 billion, contributing significantly to the national exchequer. FBR data shows that bilateral trade generates an estimated Rs46.867 billion annually in customs duties alone.
ghazi52
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Key Pakistani exports to Afghanistan include rice, cement, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, textiles, and fresh fruits, while imports from Afghanistan consist mainly of coal, fresh and dry fruits, soapstone, vegetables, and other raw materials. The suspension of the Afghan transit trade through these same crossings has compounded the losses, with customs officials confirming that the government is losing millions of rupees in daily revenue.
President of the Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Muhammad Yousaf Afridi, emphasized in an interview that Afghanistan remains Pakistan's closest and most important market. "The closure of these trade corridors has effectively frozen industrial activity across the country," he said.
President of the Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Muhammad Yousaf Afridi, emphasized in an interview that Afghanistan remains Pakistan's closest and most important market. "The closure of these trade corridors has effectively frozen industrial activity across the country," he said.
ghazi52
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Pakistan resumes Afghan transit trade after 10-day suspension
Transit trade resumes on First In, First Out (FIFO) basis after clearing backlog
Ehtesham Mufti
October 23, 2025
Pakistan has resumed Afghan transit trade on a phased basis after a 10-day suspension, following the “immediate ceasefire” agreement reached with the Taliban government in Doha, Qatar.
Around 300 vehicles that had been stranded at various locations are now being cleared, beginning with operations via the Chaman border crossing.
According to a detailed notification issued by the Directorate of Transit Trade (Customs), the cargo operations will be completed in three stages. The directive states that all regular transit trade activities will resume on a “first in, first out” basis once the existing backlog is cleared.
In the first phase, nine vehicles that were turned back when the Friendship Gate was closed will be reweighed and rescanned. Any discrepancies will lead to a full inspection.
The second phase will cover 74 vehicles that were returned from the NLC Border Terminal Yard. These will also undergo reweighing and scanning, with complete checks if inconsistencies are found.
The third phase involves clearing 217 vehicles currently parked in the halting yard, which will then be allowed to cross the border into Afghanistan.
The directive adds that photographs of all returning or halted vehicles will be taken and archived at the Friendship Gate to ensure transparency and proper documentation.
Officials said the resumption of transit trade is expected to provide relief to traders, transporters and cargo operators who suffered heavy losses during the border closure. They added that security checks and inspection procedures have been further tightened to prevent smuggling and illegal trade.
The Chaman border remains Pakistan’s most significant land trade route with Afghanistan, handling dozens of trucks and consignments daily. Authorities hope that the phased reopening will restore smooth cross-border trade and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
Pakistani officials said on October 11 that Pakistan had closed crossings along the 2,600-km (1,600-mile) border with Afghanistan. The two main border crossings with Afghanistan, at Torkham and Chaman, and at least three minor crossings, at Kharlachi, Angoor Adda and Ghulam Khan, were closed, local officials said.
On October 19, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to an immediate ceasefire during talks in Qatar. The two sides agreed to meet on October 25 in Istanbul to discuss "detailed matters."
The Chaman border is considered the most important land trade route between Pakistan and Afghanistan, through which dozens of trucks and cargo consignments move daily between the two countries. The restoration of transit trade is expected to revive cross-border commercial activity and improve bilateral trade relations.
ghazi52
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Trade, power plans linked to Kabul ending terror support
The Newspaper's Staff ReporterNovember 22, 2025
View attachment 161143
A LARGE number of trucks loaded with goods stand in a queue as they await the reopening of the Pak-Afghan Torkham border, in Landi Kotal.—PPI/File
• FO says Islamabad understands ‘economic pain’ caused by closures but security threat ‘existential’
• Can’t let ‘our people be killed indiscriminately’
• Scheduling of planned Turkish delegation’s visit in connection with Pak-Afghan conflict still awaited
ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office (FO) on Friday said that the resumption of trade with Afghanistan depended on the Taliban regime ending cross-border terrorism, and also linked the fate of key regional energy projects to Kabul halting its support for terrorist groups.
“The onus of delay in the reopening of the border crossings rests with the Afghan Taliban regime,” Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said at a weekly media briefing.
Pakistan and Afghanistan’s bilateral trade, estimated at $1.6 billion to $1.8bn in 2023-24, with key border gateways like Torkham and Chaman handling most of the traffic, has been suspended since mid-October, following deadly clashes between Pakistani forces and Taliban fighters.
This suspension is estimated to be costing Afghan traders an estimated $2.5 million a day.
ghazi52
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Pak-Iran transit corridor opened
First consignment, carrying frozen meat, dispatched to Tashkent
Ehtesham Mufti
April 12, 2026
KARACHI: Trade activities under the Pakistan-Iran transit corridor have formally commenced, with the first export consignment dispatched from Pakistan.
Director Transit Trade Customs Sanaullah Abro told The Express Tribune that the inaugural shipment, comprising frozen meat, was transported via refrigerated trucks to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He said that under the corridor, consignments from Pakistan would be routed through Gwadar and Iran onwards to the Central Asian states.
He added that the operationalisation of the corridor would not only accelerate Pakistan's economic growth but also increase traffic at the country's ports.
According to the Directorate of Transit Trade Customs, the Pakistan-Iran transit corridor has been launched under the TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) system. In this regard, the directorate has streamlined TIR procedures and activated key border crossing points including Taftan, Rimdan, Sost and Gwadar for TIR transit.
The Pakistan-Iran transit corridor is expected to prove a significant milestone for the country's trade and transit sectors. This development is being described as a strategic achievement for Pakistan, likely to boost exports and enhance regional connectivity.
Sources said the corridor would provide Pakistan with an alternative, cost-effective trade route, reducing reliance on sea routes. It is also expected to shorten transit time and significantly lower logistics costs.
At a ceremony held in this connection, Director General Transit Trade Customs Sanaullah Abro and Director Transit Muhammad Rashid flagged off the first consignment.
