Afghan Gwadar Trade Gains Traction with Second Vessel Arrival
The latest development in Afghan Gwadar trade highlights growing regional connectivity as the second vessel under the Afghan Transit Trade arrived at Gwadar Port carrying 20,000 metric tons of DAP fertilizer. This step boosts Afghanistan’s access to international markets through Pakistan’s strategically located deep-sea port.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said, “Gwadar is emerging as a dependable maritime gateway. This milestone reflects international confidence in Pakistan’s port infrastructure.”
Gwadar’s Role in Afghan Transit Trade
Gwadar Port was first used for Afghan transit in April 2020, under the APTTA (Afghanistan–Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement). The port handled its initial Afghan cargo—16,000 tonnes of urea—in May 2020 via the SIBULK TRADITION vessel.
Since then, sealed trucks have been used to transport cargo to Afghanistan, streamlining access for the landlocked country and reducing dependence on other transit routes.
Afghan Gwadar Trade and Economic Uplift
Pakistan’s trade figures with Afghanistan show impressive growth:
Exports to Afghanistan: Up 31%, reaching USD 1.138 billion (FY 2024–25)
Imports from Afghanistan: Up 14%, totaling USD 557 million
This growth underlines Gwadar’s potential as a cost-effective, shorter alternative to Karachi ports, particularly for goods moving through Chaman.
Expert Insight: Gwadar’s Strategic Edge
Tahir Khan, journalist and expert on Pak-Afghan affairs, noted:
“Gwadar is closer to Chaman and less congested than Karachi, which reduces cost and delivery time.”
He also emphasized that the Afghan Gwadar trade should be viewed in light of CPEC’s planned extension into Afghanistan, linking the region through a shared economic vision.
Trade Facilitation Measures
To further ease transit, Pakistan has replaced bank guarantees with insurance guarantees for Afghan bulk cargo via Gwadar. This reform benefits essential imports such as:
DAP Fertilizer
Wheat
Sugar
Muhammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s Special Representative in Afghanistan, stated:
“This step will benefit Afghan consumers and encourage business through Pakistan.”
