PESHAWAR: Pakistan this week formally reopened the Angoor Adda border crossing with Afghanistan after nearly two years, a move officials and traders said would revive cross-border commerce, generate local employment and improve connectivity in the country’s northwest.

The crossing, which lies in the hilly Barmal Valley connecting South Waziristan district in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province with Afghanistan’s Paktika province, was closed in 2023 due to security concerns. Its reopening is expected to relieve pressure on the Torkham border in Khyber district, currently the busiest route between the two countries but often plagued by congestion and long delays.

Analysts say the decision underscores Pakistan’s efforts to expand regulated trade with Afghanistan, which remains one of its top export markets despite frequent border disruptions. Official figures place current bilateral trade at around $800–900 million annually, though business leaders estimate volumes could rise to $3–4 billion if crossings are streamlined and incentives provided.

Saif-u-Rehman, president of the South Waziristan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the reopening would significantly revive trade and employment. 

“Nearly 300 trucks used to cross the border daily before it was shut due to certain reasons,” he said, adding that the new terminal developed by the National Logistics Corporation (NLC), a state-run logistics and engineering organization, would allow movement of goods to increase manifold.

Rehman said the operationalization of customs and immigration facilities had already created jobs for about 50 local youth, while nearly 10,000 laborers were engaged directly or indirectly in cross-border trade. 

He noted that the introduction of proper visa and passport checks would also regulate pedestrian crossings and help stabilize the area.

“Making this border fully operational will ease pressure on Torkham and allow Afghan passengers and patients to reach Islamabad, Lahore or Multan within a day for medical treatment,” Rehman added. 

He said Afghanistan mainly exports fresh and dry fruits and vegetables through Angoor Adda, while Pakistan exports electronics, textiles, medicines and other food products.

Rehman urged Kabul to reciprocate by upgrading its facilities. 

“The Afghan government should match Pakistan’s efforts and encourage businesses at Angoor Adda,” he said.

Kabul has not yet commented on the opening. 

“RAY OF HOPE“

Muqtasid Ahsan, Secretary General of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the reopening of the border crossing would stimulate economic growth across southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and South Punjab by strengthening regional value chains and supporting local businesses. 

“It will also drive infrastructure development and human capital growth, creating new employment opportunities,” he added.

He said the crossing would ease congestion at Torkham, where long delays in clearing Afghan and Central Asian consignments had driven many traders to use Iranian routes instead. 

“Reducing pressure on Torkham will restore confidence among Afghan and Central Asian traders,” he said.

Ahsan estimated current Pakistan-Afghanistan trade volume at $800–900 million annually but said volumes could reach $3–4 billion with further facilitation. He called for Angoor Adda to be integrated into the Export Rebate Schemes and the national transit trade policy “to provide attractive incentives for Afghan and Central Asian consignments and strengthen Pakistan’s economy.”

Local business leader Muqarab Khan Wazir said the reopening had fulfilled a long-standing demand of both traders and residents, most of whom rely on border commerce. 

He praised the NLC for completing customs offices, immigration facilities and passenger waiting areas within just 30 days. 

“Now, Angoor Adda provides direct and easier access to Pakistani cities, sparing residents of Afghanistan’s Paktika province the long journey through Torkham,” he said.

Junaid Altaf, president of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, described the move as “a ray of hope” for the business community. 

“It will multiply trade not only with Afghanistan but also facilitate commerce with Central Asian countries,” he said, urging Pakistan to prioritize not just exports but also imports and transit trade with Afghanistan and states such as Uzbekistan. 

“Greater trade and commerce are extremely necessary between Kabul and Islamabad to achieve peace and development in the region,” he added.

Tribal elder Malik Anwar Amin said the long-awaited reopening would ease the movement of goods and people, provide a formal channel for trade, and help curb illicit activities:

“The most important thing is that people of this region will now earn their livelihood at the border to feed their extended families. Also, it will leave a positive impact on the security situation.”