Afghan Traders Report Heavy Losses From Prolonged Pakistan Border Closures

Afghan Traders Report Heavy Losses From Prolonged Pakistan Border Closures
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Afghanistan’s business community says extended closures of major border crossings with Pakistan have caused significant economic losses, including the spoilage of large volumes of agricultural exports, Amu TV reported. Khan Jan Alokozay, a board member of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said the shutdowns have severely disrupted trade flows and damaged traders on both sides of the border.

He said Afghan grape exports valued at nearly $50 million deteriorated during the closures, while Pakistan is now losing an estimated $2 million per day due to unsold vegetables. Alokozay noted that Afghanistan relies on five key trade crossings with Pakistan and that between 10,000 and 15,000 containers carrying Afghan transit goods remain stranded at Pakistani ports.

According to him, traders are losing hundreds of millions of dollars daily as perishable goods lose quality and market value. Before the closures, bilateral trade averaged about $200 million per month, but commercial activity has largely stalled. Alokozay estimated that around $600 million in trade has been lost, forcing factories to halt operations and disrupting wider economic activity.

Border crossings have remained fully closed for more than two months following clashes between Pakistani forces and Taliban fighters. Despite talks in Doha, Istanbul and Riyadh, no agreement has been reached. Taliban officials say reopening depends on assurances that crossings will not be closed again.