- Business Community Urges Authorities to Fully Reopen Border Crossings Amid Cargo Backlog and LPG Supply Concerns
QUETTA, 27 October 2026: Thousands of trucks carrying commercial goods remain stranded on both sides of the Pakistan–Iran border despite the partial resumption of overland trade, raising concerns among traders over prolonged delays, disrupted supply chains and mounting business losses.
Business representatives in Balochistan told AFP on Monday that the border remained only partially operational following a week-long closure, with authorities allowing selected vehicles to cross in an effort to clear the growing backlog.
Mir Naveed Jan Kalmati, president of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce, said thousands of trucks were awaiting clearance on both sides of the frontier.
“There were three to four thousand trucks on the Iranian side and two to three thousand trucks on the Pakistani side,” Kalmati said.
He added that only certain vehicles were being permitted to cross as authorities worked to reduce congestion following the suspension of trade.
Traders Demand Full Restoration of Cross-Border Trade
The continued restrictions have caused growing frustration among transporters, drivers and businesses that depend on uninterrupted commercial links between the neighbouring countries.
Kalmati said companies on both sides of the border were urging the authorities to restore normal trade operations as quickly as possible.
He said traders and truck drivers were increasingly frustrated by the delays, adding that they wanted to return home and resume their business activities.
Fida Ahmad Dashti, a businessman from Kech district in Balochistan, said he had been informed that only vehicles carrying documentation prepared before October 16 were being allowed to cross the border.
Two other businessmen based in Balochistan also confirmed that their drivers had received similar information regarding the documentation requirement.
The reported restriction has added to uncertainty among importers, exporters and transport operators awaiting clearance for their consignments.
Iranian Ambassador Cites Pakistan’s E-Form Procedure
Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said in a statement posted on X on Sunday that there were no restrictions on the Iranian side, including on exports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
He attributed the disruption to changes in the implementation of Pakistan’s E-Form procedure for imports from Iran, arguing that the revised process had effectively prevented traders from dispatching cargo into Pakistan.
Pakistan’s interior and foreign ministries did not respond to AFP’s requests for comment.
The differing accounts have highlighted the need for coordination between the two countries’ relevant authorities to resolve procedural issues, facilitate the clearance of stranded cargo and restore confidence among traders.
LPG Supply Chain Faces Disruption Amid Border Closure
The Gwadar Chamber of Commerce warned that the suspension of LPG imports and the abrupt border closure had disrupted Pakistan’s domestic LPG supply chain and driven prices sharply higher.
The chamber raised concerns about the broader economic consequences of prolonged restrictions, particularly for businesses and consumers dependent on cross-border energy supplies.
A swift resolution would help ease pressure on supply chains, reduce delays and support commercial activity in border regions where trade with Iran is an important source of economic livelihood.
Pakistan Pursues Regional Diplomacy Amid Middle East Tensions
The border disruption comes as Pakistan continues its diplomatic efforts to promote peace and regional stability amid the ongoing Middle East conflict involving Iran.
According to the Pakistani military, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Tehran on Monday, marking his second visit to Iran in less than a week.
Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan were also expected to hold discussions with Iranian officials in Tehran on regional security, according to Iranian and Saudi authorities.
The diplomatic engagement comes amid wider efforts to prevent further escalation and strengthen regional cooperation. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in September 2025, while Türkiye has also been involved in regional security consultations.
Early Resolution Needed to Protect Trade and Regional Connectivity
The continuing backlog at the Pakistan–Iran border underscores the importance of efficient customs procedures, coordinated border management and predictable trade regulations for businesses operating across the frontier.
Traders are calling for the full restoration of commercial movement, the clearance of stranded vehicles and the resolution of documentation-related difficulties.
A coordinated response by Pakistani and Iranian authorities would help restore cross-border trade, ease pressure on transporters and supply chains, and reinforce economic cooperation between the neighbouring countries at a time of heightened regional uncertainty.
BY: The Times Union
