Pakistan opened the Torkham and Chaman borders to allow urgent UN relief supplies into Afghanistan. The decision came after a humanitarian request from the United Nations. Officials said the move aimed to ease severe shortages of food, medicine and essential items.
The Ministry of Commerce approved the plan after consultations with the Foreign Ministry. It then issued instructions to Customs, the Federal Board of Revenue and the Directorate General of Transit. Customs teams at Torkham have received the orders and have started preparing for cargo entry. Officials said the operation would follow a strict and well-managed schedule.
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The ministry directed authorities to clear UN containers in planned phases. First, teams will process containers carrying food from UN agencies. Next, they will clear containers holding medicines and medical equipment. These items are vital for Afghanistan’s weakened health system. Then, they will handle containers with school kits and other essential supplies.
The relief convoy includes shipments from several UN agencies. UNICEF has 74 containers in the first batch. WFP will move 67 containers. UNFPA will send 2 containers. Officials said details of the remaining containers will be released soon.
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The Ministry of Commerce also instructed FBR and the transit directorate to ensure fast and safe movement of all shipments. They stressed that the operation is based purely on humanitarian needs. They added that phased entry will help maintain order and ensure timely delivery inside Afghanistan.