The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) announced that customs clearance of exports and imports remains suspended at key Pakistan-Afghanistan border stations, including Torkham, Ghulam Khan, Kharlachi, and Angoor Adda, following intense border clashes since October 12, 2025.
According to the FBR, the suspension was enforced after unprovoked aggression from the Afghan side endangered the security of customs officials. Most personnel have been temporarily relocated to headquarters, while a limited number of inspectors and sepoys remain deployed at the affected border posts to resume operations once conditions stabilise.
Trade and Transit Disruptions
The FBR said that customs stations under the Northern Region had cleared all import consignments that arrived before the closure to minimise shortages of essential goods. A total of 363 import vehicles with filed Goods Declarations (GDs) have been processed at the border points.
However, congestion remains severe at Torkham, the busiest trade route in the region, where 255 export vehicles and 24 import vehicles are still parked at the terminal, and another 200 trucks are stranded along the Jamrud–Landi Kotal road.
At the Chaman border, customs clearance has also been suspended since October 15. Currently, five import vehicles and 25 export vehicles remain pending as traders delay filing GDs due to uncertainty.
Transit Cargo Stranded
Officials confirmed that more than 1,000 trucks carrying Afghan transit trade, exports, and imports remain stuck at various crossings, including around 500 vehicles stranded at Torkham and Chaman. Pakistan had earlier halted Afghan transit cargo transportation nationwide on October 13 amid security concerns.
The FBR said clearance operations will resume once the border situation normalises. “A small number of inspectors are present at each border post to restart customs clearance as soon as the borders reopen,” the statement added.
Economic Impact
The prolonged border closure has disrupted bilateral trade worth over $2.3 billion annually. According to traders, both sides are losing nearly $1 million daily as perishable goods like fruits and vegetables face shortages. Tomato prices in Pakistan have surged by over 400%, while apple and grape supplies have also tightened.
Authorities said no decision has yet been made regarding a reopening date, though discussions between Islamabad and Kabul are expected at a meeting in Istanbul on October 26 to review future trade and border management plans.
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