Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Closure Causes Millions in Losses, Trade Severely Affected

ISLAMABAD:The **closure of border crossing points between Pakistan and Afghanistan** has entered its **fourth week**, causing heavy financial losses to traders on both sides and disrupting regional exports.

According to official sources, the closure—triggered by ongoing **border tensions**—has severely impacted bilateral and regional trade, including **exports from Pakistan to Central Asian countries**.

All **eight border crossing points** between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain closed, resulting in **over 1,000 trucks stranded at Karachi Port**.

Government data shows that, under normal circumstances, **Afghanistan imports around USD 150 million worth of goods from Pakistan every month**, while **Pakistan imports approximately USD 60 million** from Afghanistan.

The shutdown has also affected **20,000 to 25,000 workers** involved in cross-border trade and logistics operations.

On the Afghan side, the prices of **agricultural products** have dropped sharply due to the blockade. For instance, a **10-kilogram box of Afghan grapes**, previously sold for **PKR 4,500 in Pakistan**, has now fallen to just **PKR 120–140**.

Overall, the **first 24 days** of the border closure alone have caused an estimated **loss of USD 200 million** to traders and exporters.

Authorities from both sides have yet to reach a final agreement on reopening the border crossings, as diplomatic talks continue amid mounting pressure from the business community.