KHYBER — Cross-border trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan has remained suspended for 11 consecutive days, bringing commercial activity to a standstill and placing perishable goods at serious risk of spoilage.
The halt in transit trade has stranded dozens of trucks loaded with fresh produce and other time-sensitive items, causing mounting losses for traders and transporters on both sides of the border.
According to officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the annual trade volume between the two neighboring countries exceeds $2 billion. This commerce flows primarily through four key border crossings: Torkham, Chaman, Ghulam Khan, and Kharlachi.
Pakistan imports over $760 million worth of goods from Afghanistan each year, while its exports to Afghanistan total approximately $1.54 billion. Sources indicate that nearly half of Afghanistan’s total trade is conducted via these transit routes, underscoring the economic impact of the ongoing disruption.
The prolonged suspension is fueling concerns among business communities and logistics operators, who warn that continued delays could further destabilize regional trade and strain bilateral relations.
