Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions Persist as Chaman Border Remains Closed for 19th Consecutive Day
Trade activities suspended; billions lost by traders and farmers amid failed negotiations
**Islamabad (Qudrat Daily):**
Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain high as the **Chaman border** continues to be **completely closed for the 19th consecutive day**, halting all movement of people and trade between the two countries.
The border was sealed on **October 10** following **armed clashes** between forces on both sides. Since then, all trade and civilian crossings have been suspended, leaving **dozens of traders, laborers, and citizens stranded** on both sides of the border facing severe hardships.
According to traders, the prolonged closure has **exhausted their financial resources**, while the **disruption of fresh fruit exports**, particularly grapes and pomegranates during the peak season, has caused **losses worth billions of rupees** to farmers and merchants.
The business community has urged the government to **immediately reopen the border** to restore trade activities and ease the suffering of those stuck at the crossing.
Sources said that **negotiations between Pakistani and Afghan authorities have so far failed to yield progress**, and the situation on the border remains tense with no signs of an early resolution.
