The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Pakistan has reopened the Angoor Adda border crossing with Afghanistan after nearly two years, a move officials and traders say will revive commerce, create jobs and ease pressure on other routes, Arab News reported Thursday.
The crossing, located in South Waziristan’s Barmal Valley
and linking Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province with Afghanistan’s Paktika
province, was shut in 2023 due to security concerns. Its reopening is expected
to reduce congestion at Torkham, the busiest gateway between the two countries.
Pakistan is seeking to expand regulated trade with
Afghanistan, which remains one of its top export markets despite frequent
closures. Official figures put current bilateral trade at $800–900 million
annually, though business leaders estimate volumes could rise to $3–4 billion
with improved infrastructure and incentives.
Saif-u-Rehman, president of the South Waziristan Chamber of
Commerce and Industry, said the reopening would significantly boost trade and
employment. “Nearly 300 trucks used to cross daily before the closure,” he
said, adding that new customs and immigration facilities built by the National
Logistics Cell have already provided jobs for about 50 young people, while
nearly 10,000 laborers are linked directly or indirectly to cross-border
commerce.
Rehman said the crossing will also allow Afghan passengers
and patients to reach major Pakistani cities within a day for treatment. He
added that Afghanistan mainly exports fresh and dry fruits and vegetables,
while Pakistan sends electronics, textiles, medicines and food products.
He urged Kabul to upgrade its side of the crossing. “The
Afghan government should match Pakistan’s efforts and encourage businesses at
Angoor Adda,” he said.
Afghan officials have not yet commented on the reopening,
according to Arab News.
