Punjab Suffers Rs 8 Billion Monthly Loss Due to Afghan Border Closure, Says Lahore Chamber

**Islamabad (Qudrat News):** Fahim-ur-Rehman Sehgal, President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has warned that the closure of Pakistan-Afghanistan borders is causing Punjab a loss of over Rs 8 billion per month. Speaking to an international news agency, he said that Afghanistan is Pakistan’s key trading partner, and industries such as cement production and agricultural medicines are among the hardest hit.

The border was fully closed following clashes between the two countries in October last year, disrupting trade and leaving thousands of traders stranded. Approximately 3,000 traders are affected, including 1,200 Pakistanis and 1,800 Afghans. Fresh fruits, dry fruits, vegetables, construction materials, and medicines intended for cross-border trade are spoiling, causing significant financial losses.

Sehgal stressed that exports from Pakistan’s agricultural and industrial sectors heavily rely on the Afghan border, as goods are transported from there to Central Asian countries. The ongoing closure has increased economic pressure, reduced income, and contributed to rising inflation in both countries. He urged the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to resume trade through dialogue to alleviate the economic hardship for traders, investors, and the general public.