KHOST, Afghanistan | July 16, 2025 — Authorities have officially reopened the Ghulam Khan border crossing, one of the most vital trade routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, following a disruptive two-week closure. The Ghulam Khan border crossing will now operate for the next 15 days, allowing for the urgent resumption of bilateral trade and transportation of cargo.

According to Abidullah Uqab Farooqi, spokesperson for the Afghan Border Police, this reopening is aimed at easing the backlog of shipments and preventing further spoilage of perishable goods stranded at the crossing.

Ghulam Khan Border Crossing Resumes Operations

Farooqi confirmed on Tuesday that the Ghulam Khan border crossing had resumed full functionality. This decision comes after extensive disruption to trade that saw Afghan truck drivers and business owners incurring substantial losses.

“Reopening the Ghulam Khan border crossing is a necessary move to protect trade continuity and prevent further damage to goods already at risk of spoilage,” Farooqi emphasized.

Traders from both sides of the border have welcomed the reopening, expressing relief at being able to move their cargo once again. Many had been waiting for days with trucks filled with fruits, vegetables, and other temperature-sensitive products, which were on the verge of rotting due to the indefinite delay.

Two-Week Closure Causes Trade Setback

The Ghulam Khan border crossing was suddenly closed by Pakistani authorities nearly two weeks ago. The closure came without any formal announcement or justification, leaving thousands of tons of goods stuck in limbo and businesses across Afghanistan and Pakistan reeling from its impact.

Due to the abrupt nature of the shutdown, Afghan traders faced significant financial strain. Many reported heavy losses as perishable goods decayed, delivery schedules were missed, and export contracts went unfulfilled. The situation quickly escalated into frustration on both sides, particularly because of the lack of communication regarding the reason for the border closure.

Despite the gravity of the disruption, Pakistani officials have not issued any formal statement explaining either the closure or the recent decision to reopen the Ghulam Khan border crossing.

Trade Stakeholders Urge Long-Term Solutions

While traders have welcomed the temporary relief, they are now calling on both governments to develop a more stable and transparent protocol for managing border operations. Many believe that repeated closures of the Ghulam Khan border crossing damage bilateral trust, limit market access, and threaten the livelihoods of border communities that rely heavily on consistent trade flow.

“Such unannounced closures break down the reliability of cross-border trade,” said Ahmad Khan, a Kandahar-based exporter. “We need clarity and coordination between both nations to ensure that trade isn’t held hostage by political or administrative issues.”

The Ghulam Khan border crossing serves as a critical artery for commercial activities, linking southeastern Afghanistan’s Khost province with North Waziristan in Pakistan. The crossing facilitates the movement of construction materials, food items, agricultural products, and industrial supplies, all essential for the economies of both countries.

Conclusion: Temporary Relief, but Long-Term Uncertainty

The reopening of the Ghulam Khan border crossing marks a temporary but significant development for Afghan and Pakistani traders. However, the absence of official communication from Pakistan raises concerns about the future stability of the route.

Unless both governments commit to greater transparency and structured coordination, the Ghulam Khan border crossing will remain vulnerable to abrupt closures, threatening regional trade stability and economic integration.

As the 15-day reopening window proceeds, trade stakeholders are urging both Islamabad and Kabul to initiate bilateral dialogues aimed at permanently resolving border management challenges and preserving this vital trade link.