Important Afghan-Pakistan trade route reopens

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): The Ghulam Khan trade route between Afghanistan, closed during a military offensive in the tribal region of North Waziristan, reopened on Monday, officials said.

Pakistan Customs, Immigration Wing of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and other federal entities have put in the required arrangements for the resumption of trade activities through the route.

However, the Angor Ada border crossing in South Waziristan Agency, Nawa Pass and Ghakhi Pass in Bajaur remain closed for all sorts of trade and business activities.

Mohsin Dawar, a political activist based in North Waziristan, told a Pakistani newspaper that the Ghulam Khan route had reopened. He welcomed the decision as a positive tension-defusing move.

The Pakistan Today quoted him as asking the government to ensure the Ghulam Khan route remained permanently open like of Chaman and Torkham.

Afghan transporter Mohammad Noor Ahmadzai also hailed the opening of the route as beneficial for transporters. The move would reduce rush and hardships of drivers and transporters at Torkham and Chaman, he hoped.

The route was closed after Pakistani security forces launched an operation against militants on June 15, 2014 in the area.

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