Tensions freeze Pakistan-Afghanistan deals; thousands of stranded trucks
Trucks loaded with refugees’ belongings queue at the Torkham border ahead of their return to Afghanistan. PHOTO: EXPRESS
PESHAWAR:
PESHAWAR
The ongoing border tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have paralyzed all forms of bilateral trade and transit since Sunday, October 12, causing severe economic losses on both sides and leaving thousands of trucks stranded along major crossings.
According to security sources, the suspension came after an exchange of fire late on the night of October 11-12, when Afghan forces allegedly opened unprovoked fire on Pakistani border troops. Pakistani forces responded firmly, causing increased tensions along the entire border, from Chitral to Balochistan. As a result, the four major trading gates, Torkham, Kharlachi, Ghulam Khan and Chaman, were closed indefinitely.
The lockdown paralyzed cross-border trade and halted Afghan transit trade, dealing a blow worth billions of rupees to both economies.
Recent data from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for the financial year 2024-25 highlights the magnitude of the disruption. Annually, Pakistan imports goods worth $66.328 million from Afghanistan through Torkham crossing and exports goods worth $62.766 million. Through the Ghulam Khan route, imports average $80,109 million and exports average $33,240 million per year. The Kharlachi crossing accounts for imports of $30.38 million and exports of $27.32 million, while trade through Chaman Pass includes imports of $80.289 million and exports of $265.06 million annually.
Together, Pakistan’s four major border points with Afghanistan handle average annual imports worth $566.766 million and exports totaling $1.504 million, contributing significantly to the national exchequer. FBR data shows that bilateral trade generates approximately Rs 46,867 crore annually in customs duties alone.
Pakistan’s key exports to Afghanistan include rice, cement, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, textiles and fresh fruits, while Afghanistan’s imports mainly consist of coal, fresh and dried fruits, soapstone, vegetables and other raw materials. The suspension of Afghan transit trade through these same crossings has compounded losses, and customs officials have confirmed that the government is losing millions of rupees in daily revenue.
Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Muhammad Yousaf Afridi highlighted in an interview that Afghanistan remains Pakistan’s closest and most important market. “The closure of these trade corridors has effectively frozen industrial activity across the country,” he said.
