Closed Trade Routes Between Afghanistan and Pakistan Cost Pakistani Traders $177 Million Monthly
Pakistani media have reported that the ongoing closure of trade routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan has caused heavy losses to Pakistan’s export sector, with traders losing approximately $177 million each month.
According to these reports, Pakistani exporters have warned that the continuation of this situation could lead to the permanent loss of markets in Afghanistan as well as Central Asian countries—markets that have been developed over years through investment and trust-building.
Due to its geographical location, Afghanistan is considered one of the key transit routes connecting South and Central Asia. However, restrictions, repeated border closures, and the lack of a stable trade policy by the Taliban administration have severely disrupted the normal flow of regional trade.
Economic experts believe that the persistence of this situation not only harms Pakistan’s economy but also negatively impacts Afghan traders and consumers. It weakens job opportunities, access to goods, and trade confidence on both sides of the border.
