Closure of Afghanistan Route Significantly Reduces Pakistan’s Trade with Central Asia
Ten-month financial data for 2025-2026 reveals that Pakistan’s trade with five Central Asian countries has markedly declined due to the closure of the Afghan land route. According to these statistics, Pakistan’s exports to the region have dropped by 8.62%, while imports have faced an unprecedented 88% decrease.
Reports indicate that Pakistan’s total exports to Central Asian countries during this period amounted to $147.9 million, whereas imports fell to $20.8 million. These figures clearly highlight the direct impact of transit restrictions on regional trade.
Afghanistan is recognized as the main and shortest land corridor between Pakistan and Central Asia. However, the closure of this route, which is controlled by the Taliban administration, has effectively disrupted a critical transit artery and caused significant economic losses for all parties involved.
Although an alternative route through Iran has been utilized, it has not served as an effective substitute for the Afghan corridor due to its longer distance and increased transportation costs. Economic experts emphasize that the continuation of such restrictions could further weaken Afghanistan’s regional position as a transit hub—a consequence attributed to the Taliban administration’s policies in managing transit areas.
