Pakistan Mulls One-Time Transit Clearance Through Afghanistan Amid Mounting Trade Losses

According to a report by Pakistan’s Business Recorder newspaper, the country’s Ministry of Commerce is considering a proposal to request one-time transit clearance for shipments through Afghanistan as trade losses mount.

In this context, Pakistani traders operating along the Chaman border met with Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, warning that the continued closure of border crossings has pushed their financial losses to unsustainable levels.

The report states that around 10,000 Pakistani containers have been stranded since the closure of border crossings along the de facto Durand Line nearly two months ago, resulting in estimated daily losses of about $700,000.

This ongoing deadlock comes amid criticism from traders and economic observers who point to a lack of transparency and effective coordination from Taliban authorities in managing transit flow, further straining regional trade and economic activity.