The government of Pakistan has taken a temporary step to save exports by using Iran’s land border after the main trade route through Afghanistan was closed. Trade from Pakistan to Afghanistan and to Central Asia fell sharply because of repeated border shutdowns. This caused problems for exporters who move goods to regional markets.
Under the new move, the Ministry of Commerce has relaxed a key rule in the Export Policy Order, 2022. Normally, exporters must use certain financial guarantees and bank‑linked procedures before shipping goods abroad.
These rules have been hard to follow because banks were not willing to handle transactions for exports through Iran. From March 24 to June 21, 2026, exporters can send goods without those strict banking requirements.
The temporary rule allows exports of a wide range of products across the Iran land route. These include rice, seafood, potatoes, meat, onions, citrus fruits, bananas, tomatoes, frozen chicken, medicines, and tents. Traders must still promise to bring export money back into Pakistan within the set time.
Officials say this step should help firms keep selling products even though the road through Afghanistan is blocked. It is also meant to help restore trade with Central Asian states and Azerbaijan by using Iran’s corridor.
The policy aims to support businesses while the disruption on the Afghan border continues.
