QUETTA: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has halted border trade between Pakistan and Iran, according to local traders and transporters.
Markets remain closed, and dozens of trucks are stranded on the Pakistani side of the Taftan border.
Pakistan shares a 959-kilometer border with Iran in the southwest. Last fiscal year, trade between the two countries reached $2.8 billion, according to state media.
In February, both nations agreed to boost bilateral trade to $10 billion. But after Israeli airstrikes on Iran, tensions spiked. On June 15, Pakistan suspended operations at the Taftan crossing, following Iran’s lead in tightening border restrictions.
“We’ve been stuck in Taftan for four or five days with six or seven trucks,” said Syed Khalil Ahmed, a local transporter. “We’re waiting for the border to reopen. The market is closed, and there’s a shortage of food and water.”
Israel launched attacks on Iran on June 13, accusing it of nearing nuclear weapons capability. Iran responded with drone and missile strikes, claiming its nuclear program is peaceful.
The Taftan crossing, a key route for fuel, food, and household goods, is now paralyzed. Local traders say 90% of goods in Taftan come from Iran.
“With the closure, nothing is coming from Iran,” said Hajji Shaukat Ali, an LPG importer. “Pakistani traders can’t enter Iran. Iranian passport holders can only come to the border and return.”
“This hurts local business. Our LPG vehicles are stuck. They may not reach us now.”
Ahmed said they lose about Rs20,000 ($70) per truck every day. Shortages of essential supplies are growing.
“We’re managing with what we have,” he said. “But it’s getting harder.”
