Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – In a rare gesture of cooperation amid worsening ties with India, Pakistan on Thursday allowed 150 Afghan trucks, stranded due to a recent halt in transit trade, to cross into India through the Wagah border.
The trucks, carrying Afghan exports including dry fruits and liquorice, had been stuck at various transit points since Pakistan suspended all trade routes, including transit trade, on April 24, following India’s accusations of Pakistani involvement in the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26, mostly Hindu tourists.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed that only vehicles that had entered Pakistani territory before April 25 were cleared, following a formal request from the Afghan embassy on April 28. A verified list of the trucks was shared with authorities to ensure their unhindered movement across the Attari border.
The temporary clearance comes as a relief to Afghan traders and drivers who had been caught in the diplomatic standoff. “This permission means we can deliver our goods and support our families,” said Ghani Gul, a trucker stranded for days.
Though limited in scope, the move signals a possible softening in Pakistan’s position, with officials hinting at reviewing more Afghan transit cases if details are submitted. As tensions remain high, the reopening—however partial—highlights the economic interdependencies that persist even during geopolitical strife.
