Widespread Protests in Pakistan Over Closed Trade Routes with Afghanistan
According to the Pakistani newspaper Dawn, the closure of trade and communication routes with Afghanistan has prompted widespread protests by merchants, drivers, political and social activists, and ordinary residents across various parts of Pakistan.
The report states that protestors in the Landikotal area have urged Pakistan’s ruling administration to take immediate and serious measures to reopen the routes with Afghanistan, as the ongoing situation has placed heavy pressure on people’s livelihoods.
Protesters emphasized that the closure of the Torkham border crossing has plunged the livelihoods of thousands who depend on trade with Afghanistan into severe crisis, virtually paralyzing economic activities in these regions.
According to the demonstrators, the continued closure of trade routes with Afghanistan has not only harmed merchants but has also exacerbated economic problems within Pakistan, forcing many families to take on debts to cover daily expenses.
As reported by Dawn, these routes were closed on October 12 following military tensions and violations of Afghan territory by Pakistani soldiers along the Durand Line. This decision has had severe economic consequences, especially in the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
