Ghulam Khan border crossing with Afghanistan reopens

ISLAMABAD: The Ghulam Khan border crossing with Afghanistan was reopened on Wednesday after more than two weeks, officials in North Waziristan tribal district confirmed to HUM News English.

The Ghulam Khan crossing, one of the major trade routes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, was shut down following a deadly attack on security forces in Mir Ali on June 28.

The military later confirmed the martyrdom of 13 security personnel in the incident.

On June 29, the local administration announced that the crossing and its associated terminal would remain closed for six months.

Also read: Shutterdown in SW on 30th if Angoor Adda border not reopened

However, tribal elders entered negotiations with security officials and the local administration, urging them to reopen the route due to the impact the closure had on cross-border trade.

North Waziristan Deputy Commissioner Yousuf Karim told local journalists in Miranshah that the Ghulam Khan border had been reopened after successful talks with tribal elders.

Hundreds of vehicles had been stranded on both sides during the peak season for fresh fruit and vegetable trade. The crossing is used not only for bilateral trade but also for transit trade.

Representatives of trader unions in North Waziristan welcomed the reopening and urged transporters, drivers, and cleaners to comply with the government’s “One Document Regime”, effective from August 1.

Afghan drivers and cleaners currently cross the border using Temporary Admission Documents (TAD), but this facility will end on July 31.

The deputy commissioner also announced the restoration of mobile and internet services, which had been suspended over security concerns.

On Tuesday, a Jirga of the Utmanzai tribe met military officials in Miranshah to discuss peace in the area. General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7th Division, Maj-Gen Adil Iftikhar, assured tribal elders that the border crossing would be reopened on Wednesday or Thursday.

Officials further said that night curfew restrictions will now be relaxed on an emergency basis. Remaining issues will be addressed through continued coordination between security officials and the Utmanzai National Jirga.

Security officials had sought support from tribal elders to tackle the rising threat of militancy. In a Jirga held on July 2, Utmanzai leaders condemned violence and requested a one-month period to build consensus on key issues.

Closure of Angoor Adda border point

Protests entered their sixth day in South Waziristan over the closure of another key border crossing, Angoor Adda, and worsening law and order, South Waziristan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SWCCI) President Saif-ur-Rehman told HUM News English on Wednesday.

Angoor Adda, a major trade route with Afghanistan, has been closed since September 2023 after locals opposed the government’s decision to implement a “One Document Regime” for all border crossings.

Rehman said the prolonged closure has severely affected livelihoods in the militancy-hit region.