Urgent Call to Reopen Afghanistan-Pakistan Trade Routes Amidst $300 Million Losses

The Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed concern over the consequences of the closure of border crossings, including Torkham and Spin Boldak, and urged the Pakistani government to reopen the trade routes as soon as possible. This chamber warned that more than 12,000 containers of Afghan goods are stuck in ports, and due to the halt in trade caused by border clashes, at least 300 million dollars have been lost by traders from both countries…

The Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in an official statement, called on the Pakistani government to take immediate action to reopen the channels for the transfer of goods between the two countries. This request comes in response to the continued blockage of main border crossings such as Torkham and Spin Boldak.

According to this statement, thousands of trucks carrying commercial goods are stranded in the ports and warehouses of Pakistan. This forced halt causes significant financial losses to traders, as drivers and custodians incur daily expenses of at least 150 to 200 dollars for taxes and other costs.

The Taliban government’s trade minister has also confirmed that currently, around 12,000 containers of Afghan traders’ goods are stuck in the Karachi port and other ports in Pakistan.

Damage of 300 Million Dollars and Losses to Pakistan

The Joint Chamber of Commerce warned that the trade recession and the blockage of transportation routes have caused significant losses not only for Afghan traders but also for the economy of Pakistan.

According to published reports, since the onset of border clashes, at least 300 million dollars have been lost by traders from both countries.

It is worth mentioning that all transportation routes between the two countries, including Torkham and Spin Boldak, have been closed since October 12 following clashes between the Pakistani border forces and the Taliban along the Durand Line. This blockade continues despite repeated requests for reopening.