Pakistan reopens Gabd border crossing with Iran, restores bilateral trade after weeklong suspension

Pakistan has reopened its border crossing with Iran at Gabd-Rimdan, lifting a seven-day suspension and allowing trade to resume, according to a report from Gwadar on Saturday. The reopening of Gate 250, or Gabd-Rimdan, a key crossing point known as Route 250, will enable trucks carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and essential food supplies to move back and forth between the two countries.

Mir Naveed Jan Kalmati, the president of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, confirmed that trade operations have resumed. Kalmati welcomed the decision, stating that it will provide immediate relief to stranded traders and transporters on both sides of the border. He added that the restored supply chain is expected to alleviate a nationwide LPG shortage and help reduce the soaring prices of energy and food across Pakistan.

The border closure began on October 17 after unidentified gunmen attacked the backlog of freight vehicles parked near the Gabd-Rimdan crossing, setting dozens of trucks ablaze and damaging others. The Pakistani Ministry of Commerce suspended trade at both the Gabd-Rimdan and Taftan crossings on October 17 without providing a reason for the halt.