Pakistan reopens third crossing at Afghan border

ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has decided to open the third border terminal at Ghulam Khan from Monday for bilateral trade.

The government has also allow transit trade and import from Afghanistan through Torkham and Chaman border terminals as well along the Western border.

According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the arrangement on trade will be in operation for six days a week, while Saturdays will be reserved for pedestrian movement on these border crossing terminals.

The spokesperson said they these steps are being taken after implementing all necessary protocols related to COVID-19 pandemic. The decision was made to further increase mutual trade, strong fraternal ties on a renewed request by the government of Afghanistan.

“The opening of Ghulam Khan border crossing terminal and allowing imports from Afghanistan reflects Pakistan’s resolve to help Afghanistan and facilitate its trade. Pakistan is a major trading partner of Afghanistan and largest market for Afghan exports. The opening of Gwadar Port for Afghanistan’s export and import has further strengthened trade linkages between the two countries,” the spokesman added.

The foreign office said Pakistan would continue to support a peaceful and economically stable Afghanistan.

The government of Afghanistan had requested to reopen the terminal based on brotherly ties and humanitarian consideration for sustenance of the fraternal people.

Pakistan had opened two border terminals at Torkham and Chaman for transit trade and exports to Afghanistan.