For years, Gwadar has stood as a symbol of Pakistan’s trade ambitions, a city master-planned to be the gateway to the region. Now, that vision is quietly becoming reality.
With little fanfare but growing significance, a second Afghan transit vessel has docked at Gwadar Port, carrying 20,000 metric tonnes of DAP fertiliser. More than just another shipment, it marks a deepening shift in trade dynamics between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the wider region.
Afghan Trade Moves to Gwadar
As reported by Dawn News, this latest consignment reflects a growing trend: Afghanistan’s increased reliance on Gwadar for seaborne imports. The shipment is part of the Afghanistan–Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA), first operationalised via Gwadar in 2020. The inaugural vessel, SIBULK TRADITION, carried 16,000 tonnes of urea.
Now, five years later, Gwadar is seeing repeat traffic, and more importantly, gaining trust as a reliable commercial gateway.
What the Numbers Reveal
Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan surged to $1.138 billion between July and April of FY 2024–25 — a 31% year-on-year increase. Imports from Afghanistan also rose 14% to $557 million, per data from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).
These numbers aren’t just encouraging — they’re proof that trade via Gwadar is materialising at scale.
A Better Route, Backed by Policy
The Nation highlights why Afghan traders are increasingly favouring Gwadar: the port is closer to Chaman, faces less congestion than Karachi-Torkham, and offers lower cost and quicker turnaround.
Policy is also catching up. In a major facilitative move, Pakistan has replaced bank guarantees with insurance guarantees for Afghan bulk cargo through Gwadar. This applies to key commodities like wheat, sugar, and fertiliser, easing financial and operational barriers for Afghan importers.
This policy will help the Afghan business community and consumers, a sentiment echoed by port officials and traders alike.
The Bigger Picture: CPEC and Regional Strategy
Beyond logistics, these developments reflect a growing alignment between Pakistan and Afghanistan on regional integration. As The Nation notes, both governments have agreed to extend the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan, a move that positions Gwadar not just as a port, but as a future anchor for cross-border trade across South and Central Asia.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, described the recent shipment as a “milestone” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to transforming Gwadar into a regional trade hub.
A Win for Long-Term Investors
At CPIC, we’ve believed in Gwadar’s long-term potential from day one. These quiet but powerful developments confirm that belief, not through promises, but through shipments, trade volume, and structural reforms.
For those watching closely, the message is clear:
Gwadar is no longer a project for the future. It’s a play unfolding now.
Discover CPIC’s investment-ready portfolio in Gwadar — and become part of the city redefining South Asia’s trade future.