The Ghulam Khan border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan reopened for trade on Wednesday after a two-week closure due to security concerns.

The decision, announced by Maj-Gen Adil Iftikhar Warraich, GOC of the Seventh Division during a jirga with local elders on Tuesday, comes in response to the economic hardship faced by residents, traders, and workers in the region.

The closure had significantly impacted bilateral trade and resulted in unemployment for hundreds of migrant workers and transporters. Gen Warraich stated that while difficult decisions are sometimes necessary for national security, the needs of the population must be considered. He also indicated that a curfew in the area will be relaxed, and internet service is expected to be partially restored soon.

The reopening is temporary, at least initially. Abidullah Farooqi, spokesperson for the Border Police of the interim Afghan government, confirmed the reopening of the Ghulam Khan crossing in Khost province for a 15-day period.

Khan Jan Alokozay, a member of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber, said that trade between the two countries has reached $1 billion in the last six months.

This limited reopening aims to facilitate the exchange of goods and prevent spoilage of perishable items. Pakistani authorities had closed the border approximately two weeks prior without initially providing a detailed explanation.

Ghulam Khan terminal is one of eight border crossings between the two countries. Pakistan has not recognised the Taliban regime in Afghanistan but maintains an ambassador in Kabul.