The Angoor Adda Terminal in Lower South Waziristan, which reopened this week for formal trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan after two and a half years, was completed by the National Logistics Cell (NLC) in 30 days, it emerged on Friday.
The prolonged closure had severely impacted the local economy. Over the past two and a half years, Wana Bazaar, hotels and trading centres had nearly shut down, while the working class faced deep unemployment and poverty.
Local produce can now be exported to Afghanistan and other neighbouring countries through shorter and more feasible routes.
Read: Angoor Adda border reopens after 2.5 years
The Border Terminal at Angoor Adda was reportedly constructed on the long-standing demand of local tribes in South Waziristan. Skilled local labourers were employed for the construction of this terminal.
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The terminal is equipped with necessary facilities for offices and residences of various departments, including the Customs Office, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Plant Protection. Digital systems have also been set in place to facilitate real-time coordination between these departments. The new infrastructure has weighbridges, truck and container yards, banking services, heavy-duty generators to ensure uninterrupted power supply and fiber-optic connectivity. Further plans to install a cargo scanner are also underway. The Angoor Adda Border Terminal is being touted by the NLC as a step in the right direction towards strengthening the local economy and ensuring socio-economic development in the region.
“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 to The Express Tribune, at the terminal’s opening.
