Responding to a humanitarian appeal from the United Nations, the Pakistan government has decided to open the Torkham and Chaman trade crossings to facilitate urgent delivery of food, medicine, and essential relief supplies to Afghanistan, where shortages have intensified.  The decision was taken on humanitarian grounds following a request from the UN.

In consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce issued formal instructions to Member Customs, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and the Directorate General of Transit. Customs officials at Torkham have received the orders and preparations for relief cargo movement have begun. The Ministry of Commerce has directed authorities to facilitate the movement of cargo vehicles into Afghanistan in carefully organized phases.

According to the notification containers carrying food items from UN agencies will be cleared first; the second phase will clear containers holding medicines and medical equipment, essential for Afghanistan’s strained healthcare system.  The Ministry of Commerce has instructed FBR and the Directorate General of Transit to take all necessary steps to ensure the clearance and onward shipment of UN relief containers without delay.

Officials emphasized that all cargo movement will be managed in phases, strictly on humanitarian grounds, to ensure safe and efficient delivery into Afghanistan. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)