- Trade with Afghanistan at this point reopens after two and half years closure
- NLC terms project a step towards strengthening trade ties with Afghanistan, boosting socio-economic development
- Terminal equipped digital coordination systems, weighbridges, container yards, banking services, fibre-optic links
WAZIRISTAN: The Angoor Adda Border Terminal in Lower South Waziristan, reopened this week after remaining shut for two and a half years, was reconstructed and made fully operational by the National Logistics Cell (NLC) in just 30 days, according to an NLC statement issued on Friday.
The resumption of cross-border trade with Afghanistan marks a major relief for the local economy, which had been crippled by the prolonged closure. During the shutdown, Wana Bazaar, local hotels and trading centres saw near-total collapse, while unemployment and poverty rose sharply among the working class.
Another Milestone by NLC for the People of South Waziristan
Angoor Adda Border Terminal completed in a record 30 days
The National Logistics Cell has successfully completed the construction of the Angoor Adda Border Terminal at the South Waziristan frontier, a long-standing… pic.twitter.com/2hpG78Wmum
— War Analyst (@War_Analysts) October 3, 2025
With the reopening, local produce — particularly pine nuts, fruits, and dry fruits — can now be exported through shorter and more viable trade routes to Afghanistan and beyond. The terminal itself had been a long-standing demand of tribes in South Waziristan, and local skilled labour was engaged for its construction.
According to the NLC, the facility has been equipped with modern infrastructure, including offices and residential blocks for multiple departments such as Customs, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Plant Protection. Digital systems have been installed to ensure real-time coordination between agencies.
The terminal also features weighbridges, container and truck yards, banking services, heavy-duty power generators for uninterrupted electricity supply, and fibre-optic connectivity. Plans are in place to add a cargo scanner to further streamline border management.
The NLC termed the project a step towards strengthening trade ties with Afghanistan while boosting socio-economic development in one of Pakistan’s most underdeveloped regions.
For the local population, however, the reopening carries immediate economic promise. “When the border closed, our businesses completely collapsed. There were days when not a single customer came to the shop. Now we hope trade will improve, especially with pine nuts, fruits, and dry fruits coming easily. We will be able to give our children a better future,” said Gul Rehman, a shopkeeper at Wana Bazaar, speaking at the terminal’s inauguration.
