Despite ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India, five Afghan transit trade trucks, carrying Afghan dry fruits, were allowed to cross into India on Friday via the Wagah-Attari border.Â
The trucks, driven by Pakistani drivers, had been held at the border for several weeks under the supervision of the National Logistics Cell (NLC), awaiting clearance to continue their journey.
As per media reports, the trucks were allowed entry after the Indian government issued a 24-hour permit, allowing them to cross the border.Â
This decision followed a request from the Afghan government, which had previously asked Pakistan to allow 150 trucks carrying dry fruits to transit into India. The trucks had been stalled at the border after India closed it last month amid rising tensions.
On May 1, Pakistan had granted conditional approval for the transit of these trucks, but the process had been delayed due to the slow issuance of entry permits by Indian authorities. The delay was further compounded by border skirmishes and strained relations between the two neighboring countries.
Meanwhile, trade and airspace between Pakistan and India remained suspended for several weeks following intensified clashes between the two countries.Â
India’s actions included the unilateral suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, halting transit trade through the Wagah border, closing airspace, and refusing entry to Pakistani-flagged ships at its ports.
In response, Pakistan held a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) to decide on countermeasures. Pakistan retaliated by closing the Wagah Border Post, halting all cross-border transit from India without exception. Additionally, the country suspended all visas issued under the Saarc Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) to Indian nationals. Pakistan also declared a suspension of all trade with India, including goods traveling to and from third countries through Pakistan.
