Kantani Border Reopens for Trade After Six Months, Bringing Relief to Gwadar’s Business Community
Independent report
GWADAR, November 12: The Kantani Border has been reopened for commercial activities after a prolonged closure of six months and five days, bringing renewed hope and economic relief to thousands of traders, workers and families associated with cross-border trade in the Gwadar region.
The reopening was formalised through a notification issued by Assistant Commissioner Jiwani Tariq Baloch on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Gwadar Naqeebullah Kakar.
The decision followed sustained efforts by the district administration to highlight the economic importance of the border and the difficulties faced by local communities during its closure.
A significant development in this regard was the visit of Commander XII Corps Balochistan, Lieutenant General Inayat Hussain, to Gwadar, during which Deputy Commissioner Naqeebullah Kakar briefed him on public concerns and the economic impact of the prolonged closure. The briefing highlighted the dependence of thousands of families on commercial activities linked to the Kantani Border.
The deputy commissioner also highlighted the issue during engagements with the Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, including a Jirga and the August 14 celebrations, where assurances were given regarding efforts to address the concerns of the local population.
The border-related trade supports several sectors, including transportation, loading and unloading, daily-wage employment, retail businesses, hotels and other associated services. Its reopening is expected to provide fresh opportunities for economic activity and restore livelihoods across the area.
The positive outcome reflects the importance of effective coordination, responsive administration and constructive engagement among provincial leadership, security leadership and district authorities.
The efforts of Lieutenant General Inayat Hussain, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Deputy Commissioner Naqeebullah Kakar have contributed to addressing a longstanding public concern.
The reopening of the Kantani Border is expected to strengthen local commerce, create renewed employment opportunities and support economic activity in Gwadar.
