Trade Looms in Ruins: Six Months of Border Closure Paralyzes Afghanistan-Pakistan Economy
Nearly six months after the closure of key crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan, hundreds of cargo trucks and commercial goods remain stranded on both sides of the Durand Line, creating a severe economic crisis for drivers and traders.
Human Cost of the Blockade
Some Afghan drivers report that during this prolonged period, not only has their capital been frozen, but they themselves are also facing difficult living conditions.
- Ajarkhan, an Afghan driver: "The closure of these routes has caused us losses and many problems."
- Saif-ur-Rahman, another Afghan driver: "We request both sides to reopen the roads for drivers on both sides of the Durand Line. If these routes reopen, it will benefit both sides. We were very happy that Torkham was reopened for migrants, and we hope it will also reopen for all movement and trade."
Pakistani Drivers Protest
At the same time, some Pakistani drivers in Landi Kotal held a protest gathering, calling for the reopening of crossings and the release of their trucks stranded on both sides of the hypothetical Durand Line. - afhow
- Damage to Cargo: Cargo trucks, some worth millions of Afghanis, have been damaged due to the prolonged stoppage and even parts of them have become unusable.
- Driver Testimony: "The roads are closed and drivers are facing serious problems. This is our only source of income; we have no other work."
- Urgency: "We ask both sides to resolve political and military issues through negotiations. We can no longer tolerate this situation. Our income is very limited, and for six months we have been deprived of even that."
Chamber of Commerce Reports Heavy Losses
Meanwhile, the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce has reported heavy losses for traders, emphasizing that the continuation of this situation has disrupted trade between the two countries.
- Hope for Talks: Officials from the chamber, referring to the resumption of talks between Afghan and Pakistani delegations in China, expressed hope that trade resumption will also be discussed.
- Strategic Importance: "Reopening routes benefits both Afghanistan and Pakistan. The private sectors of both countries are losing millions of dollars. Alternative routes we have explored are costly. Given the current issues in the Gulf, it is necessary that our transit through Karachi and Pakistan also passes via Afghanistan."
Yesterday, the Torkham crossing was reopened by agreement of both sides only for Afghan migrants; however, no clear decision has yet been made regarding the resumption of trade and the transfer of stranded goods, an issue that has increased concerns over continued economic losses.
