Cross-border commerce worth billions stalled as Pak-Afghan trade remains suspended
Torkham border. Photo: file
KHYBER:
The Torkham border crossing, one of Pakistan’s busiest trade gateways with Afghanistan, remained closed for commercial traffic for the 26th consecutive day on Wednesday, disrupting bilateral trade and leaving thousands of cargo vehicles stranded on both sides.
According to Customs officials, the continued closure has caused long lines of cargo trucks stretching across several kilometres, with import, export and transit consignments stuck at multiple points.
Authorities said that under normal circumstances, Pakistan exports cement, pharmaceuticals, textiles and fresh fruits and vegetables to Afghanistan, while importing coal, soapstone, dry fruits and other goods from across the border.
Sources estimated that the Torkham trade route facilitates around Rs850 million worth of two-way trade daily, including Rs580 million in exports from Pakistan and Rs250 million in imports from Afghanistan.
The government reportedly earns an average of Rs50 million per day in customs revenue from this activity.
Meanwhile, immigration officials said the border had been partially reopened three days ago for the repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals as part of Pakistan’s ongoing deportation process.
Thousands of Afghan refugees have since crossed back into their country through the same crossing.
Officials expressed concern that the prolonged suspension of trade could hurt both economies and exacerbate price hikes in essential commodities, particularly perishable goods, in border regions.
The border between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been a flashpoint during confrontations between the South Asian neighbours, most recently during deadly clashes in October.
Millions of Afghans have lived in Pakistan for decades, many without documentation. Large numbers have been expelled or forced to return in recent years.
Around 500,000 Afghans have returned from Pakistan in 2025 alone, according to the United Nations.
Six official crossing points exist, but many use informal routes.
