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Ministry of Commerce

Pakistan allows UN containers to cross via Torkham and Chaman

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Pakistan allows

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government has granted permission to United Nations aid agencies to deliver food supplies to Afghanistan.

According to international media reports, the Ministry of Commerce has issued a letter to the Director General of Afghan Transit Trade and the Member Customs Operations at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), stating that the decision was made based on recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), and UNFPA containers have been instructed to receive phased clearance.

The letter specified that food cargo will be prioritized in the first phase, followed by medicines and medical equipment in the second. In the third phase, containers carrying kits for students and teachers will also be cleared.

The move comes after a 50-day suspension of trade routes with Afghanistan, which has led to severe shortages of food supplies and medicines in the neighboring country.

It is noteworthy that all trade crossings with Afghanistan have remained closed since October 12, 2025, due to heightened border tensions.

Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed that the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has been partially opened on humanitarian grounds for UN aid. The spokesperson emphasized that Pakistan has no issues with the Afghan people, but trade and other border crossings remain closed.

Pakistan considers overhaul of used vehicle import schemes

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Pakistan considers

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has begun reviewing major changes to the used car import policy, including a proposal to abolish the Personal Baggage Scheme and impose stricter conditions on the Gift Scheme and Transfer of Residence Scheme.

According to official sources, the Ministry of Commerce has prepared a summary and forwarded it to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), recommending the complete withdrawal of the Personal Baggage Scheme.

The summary also suggests tightening regulations for the other two schemes to prevent misuse.

Senior government officials confirmed on Monday that several proposals are being examined, particularly measures to strengthen oversight of the Gift and Transfer of Residence schemes, while the Personal Baggage Scheme is likely to be discontinued.

The ECC will make the final decision on the proposed policy changes.

Pakistan ends ban on gold imports and exports

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Pakistan ends

ISLAMABAD: Following a Cabinet approval, the Ministry of Commerce has notified the lifting of restrictions on gold imports and exports in Pakistan.

According to the notification, the previously suspended SRO regulating global gold trade has been reinstated.

The government has also made certain amendments related to the import and export of precious metals and jewelry, while maintaining the existing framework for trade in gold and jewelry. The framework will continue with improved transparency and automated processes.

Earlier in May this year, a ban had been imposed on the export and import of gold. On May 6, 2025, the Ministry of Commerce suspended the relevant SRO for 60 days to regulate gold trade following complaints of gold smuggling.