UN food aid to Afghanistan continues despite border closure

PESHAWAR:

Despite the continued closure of the Torkham border due to tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the United Nations has continued transporting humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan through special arrangements.

According to customs sources, 73 containers carrying food supplies have been dispatched to Afghanistan via the Torkham crossing over the past week. Customs clearance is also underway for another 86 containers, which are expected to be sent in the coming days.

The sources said the United Nations has planned to deliver a total of 1,000 containers of food aid to Afghanistan on humanitarian grounds. To facilitate the operation, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs granted special permission following a request from the UN, allowing the phased movement of relief consignments despite the border closure.

Customs officials said the Torkham border has remained closed since October 12, 2025, due to ongoing tensions between the two neighboring countries. However, special arrangements have been put in place to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of UN humanitarian food assistance to Afghanistan. The continued movement of relief supplies underscores efforts by the authorities to facilitate humanitarian assistance while maintaining restrictions on regular cross-border traffic amid the diplomatic impasse.