Pakinstan reopens 2 more trade routes with Afghanistan after months-long closure

ISLAMABAD, Jul 12, 2020, PTI. Pakistan has opened two more key trade routes with Afghanistan after months-long closure of the border due to the coronavirus pandemic, WIO News reported.

Pakistan and Afghanistan share 18 crossing points. Pakistan closed its border with Iran and Afghanistan after COVID-19 cases increased in the country early this year.

Pakistani Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq on Saturday said the Angor Adda point in South Waziristan and the Kharlachi crossing in Kurram districts were reopened to boost trade between the two countries.

“Trade should be the mainstay of Pak-Afghan relations and prosperity of regions on both sides of the border,” he tweeted.

While the Angor Adda was operationalised on Friday, two days ahead of its scheduled opening, the Kharlachi was reopened on Saturday.

Pakistan is gradually reopening all its major trading points with Afghanistan. Last month, it reopened Torkham crossing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Chaman point in Balochistan and Ghulam Khan in North Waziristan tribal district to promote bilateral business and trade activities.

Pakistan is the largest importer of Afghani products, while Afghanistan is the 4th largest destination for Pakistani exports.