Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce Reports 80-Day Halt in Afghanistan-Pakistan Trade
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry has stated that trade and travel between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been suspended for nearly 80 days, marking an unprecedented situation in the history of their commercial relations. According to the chamber, the closure of trade routes has caused extensive economic damage to both countries, effectively paralyzing transit activities.
Based on information from the chamber, traders from Afghanistan and Pakistan have lost a significant portion of their capital, and millions of individuals employed directly or indirectly in trade, transport, and logistics have lost their jobs. The organization emphasizes that despite repeated rumors about reopening the crossings, no official announcement has been made so far.
Shahad Hussain, a member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce, said the prolonged suspension of trade has resulted in unprecedented losses, and traders on both sides are unable to recover these damages. He added that resolving this issue is beyond the capacity of the private sector, and governments must seek practical solutions with an understanding of the people’s and traders’ situations.
Officials from the chamber also stated that relationships between traders and private sector representatives from both countries have always been positive, and they have repeatedly urged political authorities to separate political matters from trade. They believe that the continuation of this situation affects not only the citizens of the two countries but also the regional economy.
Meanwhile, private sector officials in Afghanistan confirm that the interference of politics in trade has caused goods to be stuck en route and has imposed heavy losses. Merwis Hajizadeh, First Deputy of the Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock, said Afghanistan’s trade has become a victim of political decisions, causing harm to both sides.
On the other hand, some Afghan traders say that in response to the closure of the Torkham crossing, they have sought alternative markets. Omid Haidari, a trader, stated that part of Afghanistan’s agricultural products has been exported to countries such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Previously, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban administration, had said that the reopening of trade routes with Pakistan is conditional on Islamabad providing reliable guarantees. He emphasized that these routes will only be reopened if it is assured they will not be closed again in the future due to political pressures or unilateral actions.
