Preparations have been completed to reopen the Torkham trade gateway for two-way commerce between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which remained closed for the past ten days due to bilateral tensions, customs sources said on Tuesday.

According to officials, customs staff were deployed at the Torkham terminal on Monday, while scanners have been installed to facilitate the clearance of cargo vehicles.

The trade route is expected to reopen at any time today, they added.

The closure of the border crossing had stranded thousands of cargo trucks carrying import, export, and transit goods, causing long queues on both sides.

Customs officials said the Torkham trade gateway handles an average of Rs850 million in daily two-way trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Chaman border remains closed

Meanwhile, the border at Chaman remains completely closed for all trade activities and pedestrian movement for the tenth consecutive day.

However, Pakistani security officials have allowed hundreds of empty trucks stranded in Afghanistan to return home.

Pakistan exports cement, medicines, textiles, fruits, and vegetables to Afghanistan, while coal, soapstone, and both fresh and dried fruits are among the major imports from Afghanistan.

The suspension of trade activities has caused difficulties not only for traders but also for thousands of workers associated with the transport sector.

According to government sources, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed that cross-border trade will now continue under a formal mechanism and in accordance with international regulations.