fter an eight-month closure, the Kharlachi border crossing in Kurram district has officially reopened, restoring a critical trade and transit route between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The crossing had been closed down in October following heightened tensions in Kurram, which also led to the suspension of traffic along the Tal-Parachinar Road and brought cross-border commerce to a standstill.

In Kharlachi, border security forces have returned to their posts. The customs officials, National Logistics Cell personnel, polio teams and customs clearing agents have also arrived to resume operations.

In recent weeks, the situation in Kurram has shown a marked improvement. The implementation of the Kohat Agreement is under way. The rival positions—referred to locally as bunkers— are being dismantled. According to some officials, at least 1,000 bunkers have been destroyed by the administration and the armed forces.

Both sides have voluntarily surrendered arms. Against this improving security backdrop, the reopening of Kharlachi crossing is being hailed as a major milestone—one that signals a return to peace and normalcy as well as economic activity.

Six months ago, Kurram had faced acute shortages of food and medicines. Now, markets are open and the supply of essential goods, including food, medicines and fuel, has been restored. However, prices remain higher than in other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Kharlachi is one of four major border crossings in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—alongside Torkham, Ghulam Khan and Angoor Adda—that facilitate trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Its reopening is not only a symbolic gesture of renewed stability but also a practical step toward reactivating the economic lifelines in the region.

Located about 20 kilometres southeast of Parachinar, the district headquarters of Kurram, the Kharlachi border holds strategic significance.

Border area residents are optimistic that the resumption of trade will revitalise the local economy and generate employment opportunities. Many now hope that the Tal-Parachinar Road—a vital artery for movement to the Kurram Valley, will soon reopen for public use.

According to district authorities, assessment of the conditions is under way. Enhanced security measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence of violence similar to October 12 and November 21-22 episodes last year. Security forces are currently being deployed along the route to ensure the safety of commuters before full access is restored.

Both sides have voluntarily surrendered arms. Against this improving security backdrop, the reopening of Kharlachi is being hailed as a major milestone — one that signals a return to peace and normalcy and economic activity.

Strategically located on a wide plain and within close proximity to Kabul, the Kharlachi crossing offers one of the most direct and efficient trade routes between Pakistan and the Afghan capital. Looking ahead, officials are considering plans to link Kharlachi to Central Asia via a railway line. The envisioned rail route would pass through Kharlachi, Tal, Hangu and Kohat, eventually merging with Pakistan’s national railway network and stretching all the way to Karachi.

This corridor could prove a game-changer for regional trade, providing a faster, more cost-effective alternative for transporting goods while enhancing connectivity between Central and South Asia. In this vision, Kharlachi is a pivotal junction.

At the reopening ceremony, Additional Deputy Commissioner Amir Nawaz Khan welcomed Afghan truck drivers at the zero point. Talking to The News on Sunday, he emphasised the deep link between security and prosperity. “When there is peace, there is prosperity. When there is trade, people thrive,” he said. He described the reopening as a clear sign that peace had returned to Kurram. “The difficult days are over; better days are here; even better ones lie ahead,” he added, expressing hope for increased job opportunities in the region.

Soon after the border reopened, several cargo trucks crossed into Pakistan from Afghanistan. Over a dozen trucks were parked at the border terminal. Their documents were processed and they were ready to travel to various Pakistani cities to load goods before returning to Afghanistan.

Among the drivers was Ziaullah, hailing from Afghanistan’s Khost province. Talking to TNS, he expressed relief: “Other crossings are so crowded that we sometimes have to wait for several days. But Kharlachi is close to Kabul and less congested. It saves us time and money.”

Another Afghan transporter, Hadas Khan, was taking goods from Pakistan to Afghanistan. He too welcomed the impact of the reopening: “With Kharlachi closed, we lost a lot of time. It could take over a week to get through at other border crossings. Here, it’s fast and simple—our deliveries are now on time.”

As cross-border movement resumes, Kharlachi is once again poised to play a vital role in regional trade, economic uplift and peace building between the neighbouring nations.

“We are thankful to the armed forces for securing the Tal-Parachinar Road for Pak-Afghan transit vehicles. The Kharlachi border employs 400 workers,” says Syed Kamran Hussain, a representative of the Kharlachi tradeers’ union.

The writer is a multimedia producer. He tweets @daudpasaney.