The Kharlachi border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has officially reopened for trade after a six-month closure, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, announced on Friday.
The crossing had been closed due to violent incidents in the Kurram district and subsequent inaccessibility caused by the shutdown of the main Parachinar-Peshawar road. The resumption of trade marks a significant development for bilateral commerce and regional stability.
“Trade activities with Afghanistan have resumed through the Kharlachi terminal, which was previously closed due to road closure in Parachinar,” Ambassador Sadiq wrote on X (formerly Twitter), along with a video of commercial vehicles crossing the border.
The Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) welcomed the move, highlighting its potential to revive trade and economic connectivity between the two countries.
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Speaking to media in Kurram, Kharlachi terminal in-charge Major Moeez confirmed that trade officially resumed on May 9. He credited the successful reopening to the coordinated efforts of the district administration, provincial government, security forces, and local tribal elders. “This step serves the mutual interests of both Pakistan and Afghanistan,” he said.
Customs official Alauddin said the reactivation of the terminal will increase foreign exchange earnings and improve economic opportunities on both sides of the border.
Tribal elder Islam Ali and other community leaders expressed hope that the reopening would spur development in the region. “This move is a relief for traders and labourers who depend on cross-border commerce,” Ali stated.
Ali Hadi Irfani, a Member of the Provincial Assembly from Kurram, called the decision timely and strategic. “With tensions escalating on the eastern border with India, reopening Kharlachi is a wise and mutually beneficial step,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Sadiq arrived in Kabul for diplomatic engagements with Afghan Taliban officials and to attend a trilateral meeting involving Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan. The talks are expected to focus on economic cooperation, regional connectivity, and security.
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