Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Tensions Halt Trade for 13 Days

For the past 13 days, border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained closed due to rising tensions. The closures at key routes have caused major disruptions in trade and travel. Long lines of trucks carrying fruits, vegetables, and other goods are stuck on both sides, and much of the perishable cargo has gone bad. The ongoing situation highlights how Pakistan-Afghanistan border tensions are severely affecting local businesses and traders.

At the Chaman crossing, known as Bab-e-Dosti, customs officials have allowed only vehicles carrying Afghan citizens to cross into Afghanistan. Hundreds of cargo trucks remain stranded at the site. So far, around 10,000 Afghan nationals have been sent back to their country, and more than 1,200 empty containers have re-entered Pakistan.

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Despite efforts to resume trade, debris from recent clashes has not been cleared from the damaged trade routes. Authorities have proposed a phased reopening plan to gradually restore the movement of transit containers once security conditions improve.

Truck drivers waiting at Chaman and along the route to Karachi say that their shipments of meat, fruits, and juices have spoiled because of the long delay. They are urging both governments to resolve the issue quickly to prevent further financial losses.

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In addition to Chaman, the crossings at Torkham in Khyber, Angoor Adda in South Waziristan, Ghulam Khan in North Waziristan, and Kharlachi in Kurram District remain closed. Cargo vehicles are lined up for miles, waiting for the borders to reopen. Traders and locals hope that authorities from both sides will take steps soon to end the Pakistan-Afghanistan border tensions and restore normal trade activities.