Pakistan reopens Angoor Adda border crossing to boost trade with Afghanistan

After two years of closure, the Angoor Adda crossing on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has officially reopened, signaling a renewed effort to strengthen cross-border trade, stimulate local economies, and create jobs in the region.

Analysts say the move could also enhance regional connectivity, linking key commercial hubs in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia.

The reopening ceremony drew lawmakers, a senior military commander, traders’ representatives, schoolchildren, religious scholars and tribal elders, highlighting the crossing’s economic and social significance.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf lawmaker Zubair Wazir said the revival of the border would help curb unemployment in Waziristan and boost the national economy. “This step will create new job opportunities for the youth and increase revenue for the national exchequer through enhanced trade,” he noted.

Saifur Rehman, President of the Waziristan Chamber of Commerce, told Nukta that business had been at a standstill for two years, but the reopening has now revived commercial activities. “Waziristan’s renowned pine nuts, fresh fruits, and dry fruits can now be exported worldwide with greater ease,” he said.

Local businessman Abdur Rauf Khan highlighted the strategic importance of the Angoor Adda terminal as a trade route linking Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia. He noted that the route reduces the distance between Ghazni and Dera Ismail Khan to 425 kilometers, and to about 800 kilometers from Ghazni to Lahore, compared with over 950 kilometers via the Torkham border.

The ceremony drew officials, traders, students, and tribal leaders, highlighting the crossing’s significance. Nukta

“It offers the shortest link between Ghazni, Afghanistan’s commercial hub, and Lahore, Pakistan’s business center,” he said.

Qahir Azam, Chief Executive of the Waziristan Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the border’s potential as a major trade and transit route for South Asia.

“With government support to address traders’ concerns, the crossing - currently handling around 300 import and 300 export vehicles - could surpass other border points, including Torkham and Kharlachi,” he said.

Azam added that the prolonged closure had caused losses worth billions of rupees, impacting both local traders and the national exchequer. The suspension crippled markets, warehouses, transport services, and left many daily wage earners without livelihoods.

He noted that some traders had shifted operations to alternative routes such as Torkham, Chaman, and Ghulam Khan, and said the reopening would help restore trade and benefit the local community.

Residents welcomed the move, noting that it would strengthen Pakistan-Afghanistan trade ties and inject new momentum into the regional economy. As part of the ceremony, the National Logistics Cell (NLC) terminal in the Bermal area of South Waziristan Lower was also formally inaugurated.

While no official reason was given for the prolonged closure, sources indicated it was primarily due to security concerns, as the border region has long been a hotspot for militancy. Authorities decided to reopen it following persistent protests from local residents.