Pak-Afghan Border Closed for 75 Days, Afghan Traders Suffer $50 Million Loss; Agricultural Exports Halted

**Quetta:** The Pakistan-Afghanistan border and key trade routes have been closed for nearly 75 days, causing Afghan fruit and vegetable traders an estimated loss of $50 million. The prolonged closure has severely impacted the trade and agricultural industries of both countries.

Officials from the Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industry reported that agricultural exports, including grapes, pomegranates, apples, dried fruits, and fresh vegetables, have completely stopped via Pakistan, leading to large-scale spoilage and financial losses for traders.

The border shutdown has also affected thousands of workers involved in transport, cold storage, packing, and export operations. Afghanistan’s agricultural industry, food processing units, and logistics sector have been severely impacted, while in Pakistan, fruit and vegetable markets, food industries, hotels, and export-related businesses have faced price increases and reduced production.

Afghan traders and industrialists have urged both governments to set aside political differences and reopen trade routes immediately. The Chamber of Commerce warned that if urgent action is not taken, losses could exceed $50 million, and the region’s agricultural and trade sectors may face a long-term crisis.