KABUL/ISLAMABAD: The ongoing closure of five major commercial border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan has brought cross-border trade to a near standstill, inflicting severe economic losses on both countries. According to the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, the Pak-Afghan border closure has disrupted the movement of goods worth hundreds of millions of dollars, dealing a heavy blow to traders, farmers, and local communities who depend on cross-border commerce for their livelihoods.
Before the Pak-Afghan border closure, Afghanistan imported around $1.5 billion worth of goods annually from Pakistan and exported nearly $800 million back, reflecting one of the most vital trade relationships in the region. However, current restrictions have left thousands of trucks stranded on both sides of the border, while over 1,000 cargo containers remain stuck at Karachi Port, incurring daily demurrage fees of $100–200 per vehicle.
Khanjan Alokozai, head of the joint chamber, said that the closures have directly impacted between 20,000 and 25,000 workers, including drivers, shopkeepers, and service providers, estimating that total financial losses now exceed $50 million. He warned that with no sign of reopening, the damage could continue to escalate.
Abdul Jabbar Safi, president of the Kabul Industrialists Association, said the blockade has halted essential imports from Karachi — including plastic, packaging materials, and printing supplies — severely affecting Afghan manufacturing operations.
Meanwhile, agriculture traders report that a large volume of perishable exports such as grapes and vegetables are spoiling at the crossings. Tala Mohammad Ghafoori, head of the Kabul International Market’s vegetable section, said the price of grapes has plummeted from 4,500 Pakistani rupees to just 120–140 afghanis per 10-kilogram box, resulting in millions in losses for farmers.
Economic analysts warn that prolonged border disruptions could undermine trader confidence, raise import costs, and pose serious long-term risks to Afghanistan’s fragile economy unless swift diplomatic action is taken.
