ISLAMABAD: The government has permitted the re-export of transit cargo stranded at Pakistani ports, a move aimed at easing rising demurrage charges for Afghan importers. The decision comes after the Pakistan-Afghanistan border closure on October 11, 2025, which halted bilateral trade and disrupted the Afghan Transit Trade (ATT).
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Over 6,500 containers remain stuck at Karachi ports, with the largest portion — approximately 3,000 containers — carrying Malaysian palm oil for edible use in Afghanistan. The Ministry of Commerce has issued one-time waivers to importers seeking re-export permission on a case-by-case basis, although no official announcement has been made.
The move allows Afghan importers to explore alternative ports or routes to transport goods to Afghanistan. Customs officials noted that the number of stranded containers at the Chaman and Torkham border crossings is comparatively low, ranging between 600 and 700, while most cargo remains at Karachi.
This decision follows consultations with ambassadors of countries like China and Vietnam, whose goods are among the stranded consignments. Officials said the re-export approvals will help mitigate losses and reduce congestion at Pakistani ports, where containers have accumulated for over three months.
Earlier, the government allowed clearance of humanitarian consignments, including goods from the World Food Programme, UNICEF, and other UN agencies, although Taliban restrictions prevented these from crossing into Afghanistan.
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The volume of Afghan imports transiting through Pakistan has sharply declined in recent years, from $6.7 billion in FY23 to $2.4 billion in FY24 and $1.01 billion in FY25. With the ongoing border closure, the fiscal year 2026 figure is expected to fall further, prompting importers and the government to seek alternative trade routes to sustain Afghan supply chains.
Reference : Govt allows re-export of Afghan transit cargo from Karachi ports – Daily Times