ISLAMABAD: The trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan has come to a complete standstill following intensified border tensions that erupted on October 12.
The suspension of cross-border trade has led to losses worth billions of rupees, with thousands of cargo trucks stranded on both sides of the border.
In this sense, the Afghan forces opened unprovoked fire on Pakistani border posts during the night between October 11 and 12.
So far, the Pakistan Army responded very carefully, escalating tensions along the border from Chitral in the north to Balochistan in the south. In this regard, all major trade routes, including Torkham, Kharlachi, Ghulam Khan, and Chaman have been closed.
Furthermore, both bilateral and transit trade have been suspended, affecting the movement of essential goods and causing severe disruptions to commercial activities.
Moreover, Pakistan exports rice, cement, textiles, medicines, medical equipment, and fresh fruit to Afghanistan, and imports from Afghanistan include coal, fresh and dry fruits, vegetables, and soapstone.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) data for fiscal year 2024–25, annual trade through Torkham amounts to approximately USD 62.7 million in exports and USD 66.3 million in imports. Ghulam Khan border handles around USD 33.2 million in exports and USD 80.1 million in imports annually.
Similarly, trade through Kharlachi averages USD 27.3 million in exports and USD 30.3 million in imports, while Chaman accounts for about USD 6.2 million in exports and USD 80.2 million in imports.
Pakistan’s annual bilateral trade with Afghanistan through these four gateways averages USD 271 million in imports and USD 129 million in exports.
Also Read: Afghan repatriation resumes at Chaman Border, trade still halted
Meanwhile, the Torkham and Chaman crossings, long queues of trucks stretch for several kilometers. Drivers waiting for the reopening of the border expressed deep concern over the situation. “Our goods worth millions are getting damaged, and our vehicles are suffering too,” said truck drivers Abdul Haq and Gul Agha.
