Pakistan reopens Iran border crossing to ease LPG shortage

Pakistan has reopened the Gabd-Rimdan border crossing, also known as Gate 250, in the Gwadar district of Balochistan, following a week-long suspension of trade with Iran. The closure, which began on October 17, was reportedly linked to security concerns after unidentified gunmen attacked and set fire to dozens of parked freight vehicles near the border.

The suspension caused significant disruptions to the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), leading to severe shortages and soaring retail prices across Pakistan as winter approaches. To manage the backlog, border officials are currently only allowing commercial consignments with documentation dated October 16 or earlier to cross.

Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam stated that Tehran had imposed no restrictions on exports and attributed the trade delays to changes in Pakistan’s electronic import-form (E-Form) procedures. The reopening follows diplomatic efforts, including a visit to Tehran by Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir.