Pakistan has announced the phased restoration of Afghan transit trade, starting with the Chaman border crossing, as part of efforts to normalize trade movement after nearly two weeks of suspension.

According to a notification issued by the Directorate of Transit Trade Customs, the movement of returning vehicles will be strictly monitored under the new restoration plan.

In the first phase, nine vehicles that were stranded after the closure of the Friendship Gate will be cleared to return. In the second phase, 74 vehicles parked at the National Logistics Cell (NLC) terminal will be processed, while in the third phase, 217 trucks halted at the yard will be allowed to cross the border into Afghanistan.

Officials said that customs authorities will closely monitor vehicle movements to ensure compliance with security and trade regulations.

Meanwhile, the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce welcomed the phased resumption but expressed concern over massive losses faced by traders during the closure. The chamber said that more than 400 trucks carrying fresh fruits, including pomegranates, tomatoes, and grapes, are stuck in Spin Boldak, resulting in significant spoilage of perishable goods.

Representatives of the chamber said that Afghan exporters have suffered the most, while Pakistani clearing companies are also facing heavy financial penalties for delays.

On the other hand, customs officials at the border claimed that they have not yet received any formal notification for the phased reopening of Afghan transit trade.

It should be noted that the Pak-Afghan border at Bab-e-Dosti has remained closed for the past 12 days due to security concerns and administrative reasons, severely impacting trade between the two countries.