Dec 04, Kathmandu - Pakistani officials have announced on Thursday that the country is preparing to grant temporary permission for United Nations humanitarian aid to enter Afghanistan. This marks the first partial reopening of the border since deadly clashes between the two neighboring nations last October.

Since the Taliban regained control of Kabul in 2021, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated. Afghanistan has accused Islamabad of harboring terrorists responsible for cross-border attacks, an allegation Pakistan has denied.

Responding to official requests from UN agencies, a Pakistani government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that arrangements are underway to facilitate the flow of aid into Afghanistan, AFP reported. The aid includes food, medicines, medical equipment, and other essential supplies related to health and education. The official explained that the assistance would be transferred in three phases.

Meanwhile, a UN official also confirmed that aid will soon be allowed to enter Afghanistan. Since the October conflict, the border has remained closed, with only Afghan nationals expelled from Pakistan permitted to cross.

Pakistani authorities clarified that the border will remain largely closed to regular trade and immigration, opening only for essential supplies under strict conditions. The temporary opening is intended solely for the transportation of necessary goods, not for normal trade or migration.

According to the World Bank, Pakistan is Afghanistan’s largest trading partner, supplying rice, medicines, and raw materials.