Prolonged Closure of Afghanistan-Pakistan Border Crossings Paralyzes Trade

The prolonged closure of border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan has paralyzed trade and transit of goods along key regional routes.

NPR reported that for more than three months, Afghan and Pakistani drivers with their cargoes have been stranded near the Torkham crossing and other border routes, with no clear prospects for reopening.

The restrictions began in mid-October following clashes between Pakistani border forces and Taliban fighters, leading to the closure of five active commercial crossings. Hundreds of cargo trucks carrying exports and imports, including cement, food and medicine, remain stuck at the closed borders. The private sectors in both countries have incurred massive financial losses.

Pakistan's government has attributed the border closures to the Taliban's inability to prevent militant groups from operating out of Afghan soil. The Taliban rejected the accusation, describing the closures as an economic and political measure against Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the Taliban are seeking alternative trade routes with India, Iran and China, and have requested India's assistance to facilitate goods transit via the Chabahar port.

The ongoing border crisis continues to exert severe pressure on Afghanistan's economy and Pakistan's private trade sector.