Key Takeaways
- Pakistani customs authorities issued gate passes for 26 World Food Programme (WFP) containers.
- The containers carry food and essential supplies for humanitarian assistance.
- This is the first such convoy since the Torkham border was closed in October 2025.
Pakistani customs authorities have allowed 26 World Food Programme (WFP) containers to enter Afghanistan via the Torkham border, a key trade route between the two countries. The containers were issued gate passes late on Monday evening despite the official closure of the border since October 2025 due to security concerns.
Customs clearing agents informed Dawn that the containers had been waiting throughout the day as officials awaited final approval from higher authorities after their arrival at the Torkham import terminal early on Monday morning. The agents stated that all cleared vehicles would be permitted to proceed into Afghanistan by Tuesday, following completion of necessary customs clearance procedures.
The containers were loaded with food and essential supplies for humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan. This move comes as a significant development since a similar convoy of about 20 WFP containers was sent back to Karachi earlier this year after the Afghan Taliban authorities in Kabul refused any assistance from the UN body.
According to customs clearing agents, the fate of these 26 containers will be known early on Tuesday if the Taliban authorities permit their entry into Afghanistan. The Torkham border has been closed since October 2025 due to an escalating security situation along the border region.
The decision by Pakistani authorities reflects a cautious approach amid ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly concerning the security dynamics in the region. While this move is seen as a positive step towards humanitarian aid, it also highlights the complexities of cross-border cooperation given the current geopolitical climate.
In recent months, there have been several instances where international aid organizations faced challenges in delivering assistance to Afghanistan due to political and security considerations. The successful passage of these WFP containers through Torkham could set a precedent for future humanitarian efforts.
