Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has halted customs operations at several border stations with Afghanistan. The decision was made due to security concerns for staff.
In a post on social media platform X, the FBR stated the suspension at Torkham, Ghulam Khan, Kharlachi, and Angoor Adda borders is a direct result of “unprovoked aggression from the Afghan side.” The action endangers the safety of customs officers.
Because of these security risks, most customs staff have been temporarily moved to safer headquarters. A small team remains at each border post. They are ready to restart clearance processes as soon as the situation improves and borders reopen.
Customs clearance of exports and imports has been suspended at Border Customs Stations of Torkham, Ghulam Khan, Kharlachi and Angoor Adda since October 12, 2025, due to unprovoked aggression from the Afghan side endangering the safety of Customs Inspectors and staff. 1/5
— FBR (@FBRSpokesperson) October 23, 2025The closure has led to significant disruptions in trade. Hundreds of cargo vehicles are now stranded on both sides of the border.
Read: Pakistan Suspends Afghan Transit Trade Amid Rising Border Tensions
To prevent shortages of essential goods, customs officials took proactive steps. The Collectorates of the Northern Region cleared all import consignments that arrived before the border closure.
To support trade continuity and avoid shortages of essential goods, the Collectorates of the Northern Region have cleared import consignments that arrived at these stations before the border closure. 3/5
— FBR (@FBRSpokesperson) October 23, 2025Despite this effort, a large number of vehicles are still waiting.
- At the Torkham border, 255 export vehicles and 24 import vehicles are stuck at the terminal.
- Another 200 vehicles are stranded on the nearby Jamrud-Landi Kotal road.
At Chaman Customs Station,clearance is suspended since Oct 15,2025. Currently,5 import &25 export vehicles are pending clearance as traders are reluctant to file GDs. In addition,around 500 vehicles carrying transit trade cargo are awaiting border crossing at Torkham &Chaman.5/5
— FBR (@FBRSpokesperson) October 23, 2025The Chaman border station also faces a suspension, which began on October 15, 2025. Currently, 5 import and 25 export vehicles are pending clearance. Traders are reportedly hesitant to file the necessary documentation due to the uncertainty. In addition, around 500 vehicles carrying transit trade cargo are awaiting clearance at the Torkham and Chaman border crossings.
