The government has decided to open the Torkham and Chaman trade crossings to facilitate the delivery of essential food, medicine, and relief supplies to Afghanistan, where shortages have reached critical levels.

The decision comes following a formal appeal from the United Nations and has been implemented on strictly humanitarian grounds. The Ministry of Commerce, in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued instructions to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Member Customs, and the Directorate General of Transit to ensure a smooth flow of relief cargo.

Authorities at Torkham have already begun preparations for the movement of UN humanitarian cargo. According to the Ministry of Commerce, the deliveries will follow a phased clearance plan to guarantee safe and efficient distribution.

• Phase one will prioritize containers carrying food items from UN agencies.

• Phase two will focus on medicines and medical equipment, crucial for Afghanistan’s strained healthcare system.

• Phase three will clear kits for students and teachers, along with other essential humanitarian items.

The relief consignment includes 74 containers from UNICEF, 67 from WFP, and 2 from UNFPA, with details of additional shipments to be announced shortly.

The Ministry of Commerce has instructed FBR and the Directorate General of Transit to take all necessary measures to guarantee the clearance and onward shipment of UN relief containers without delay. Officials emphasized that the phased process is designed to ensure that aid reaches those in need efficiently and safely, prioritizing humanitarian concerns above all.