Islamabad, Oct 26:
Pakistan has reopened a key border crossing with Iran after a week-long suspension of trade and cross-border movement, allowing stranded trucks carrying essential goods to resume their journeys.
Trade operations resumed on Saturday at the Gabd-Rimdan crossing in Balochistanâs Gwadar district. Border officials permitted commercial consignments accompanied by consignment notes dated October 16 or earlier to cross the border. The crossing, also known as Gate 250, had been closed on October 17.
Mir Naveed Jan Kalmati, president of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, confirmed the reopening and said it would provide immediate relief to traders and transporters stranded on both sides of the border. The resumption is also expected to help restore supplies of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and essential food commodities in Pakistan.
The suspension had disrupted the movement of goods at a time when demand for LPG was rising ahead of winter. The closure was believed to be linked to security concerns, although Pakistanâs Commerce Ministry did not publicly specify the reason for its decision.
The situation became more serious after unidentified gunmen attacked freight vehicles stranded near the crossing on Thursday, setting dozens of trucks on fire and damaging several others. Local administrators reviewed the security situation before the reopening, and additional forces were deployed to protect trade convoys.
Pakistan and Iran share a 909-km border separating Iranâs Sistan and Baluchestan province from Pakistanâs Balochistan province. The reopening is expected to ease pressure on traders and improve the movement of essential supplies, although the restoration of normal operations will depend on the security situation and further administrative decisions.