KABUL: The Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) has sounded the alarm on the severe repercussions of ongoing border closures, revealing that trade with Central Asian countries has ground to a halt.
The closure of five key border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan has cast a shadow over bilateral trade and transit activities, exacerbating an already complex geopolitical situation in the region.
The recent closure of the Torkham border crossing, attributed to disagreements over visas and Afghan driver passports, marked a critical blow to the flow of goods and people between the two nations. This closure comes on the heels of the shutdown of other vital crossings, such as Angur Ada and Kharlachi, intensifying the trade crisis.
Notably, the prolonged closure of the Spin Boldak crossing in Kandahar and the recent shutdown of the Ghulam Khan crossing in Khost have created a domino effect, contributing to the broader disruption in regional trade dynamics. Reports of clashes between Afghan and Pakistani border guards, including exchanges of fire, further escalate tensions and hinder diplomatic resolutions.
The adverse effects of these border closures extend beyond bilateral trade, reaching into Islamabad’s economic interactions with Central Asian countries. The suspension of trade routes has not only strained Pakistan-Afghanistan relations but has also led to increased prices for essential commodities in Afghanistan, directly impacting the lives of ordinary citizens.
The PAJCCI’s announcement underscores the urgent need for diplomatic interventions and dialogue to address the root causes of these disruptions. As regional stability hangs in the balance, resolving these issues is crucial for fostering economic cooperation and ensuring the smooth flow of goods and services across borders.
