Torkham Border Closure Enters 16Th Day, Trade Losses Mount For Pakistan And Afghanistan

2025-10-27 05:07:51

(MENAFN- Tribal News Network)

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The Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan remained closed for the 16th consecutive day, suspending all trade activities and passenger movement between the two countries. The prolonged shutdown has caused severe financial losses to traders, transporters, and the general public on both sides.

Former President of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Zahid Shinwari, stated that the suspension of Pak-Afghan trade is causing daily losses of Rs 700 to 800 million. He noted that the annual trade volume between the two countries stands at around $1 billion, while the border closure has stranded thousands of vehicles on both sides, leaving goods worth millions of rupees at risk of damage.

Previously, there were claims that the Torkham border was set to reopen for trade; however, due to unknown reasons, the border remains closed. Earlier reports suggesting its reopening turned out to be mere rumours, or speculations.

Traders have urged the government to resolve the border tensions through dialogue in order to restore trade activities at the earliest.

Also Read: KP Governor Raises Alarm Over Inter-Provincial Wheat Movement Ban, Writes to Prime Minister
Bilateral trade and transit movement have remained completely suspended since October 12 due to escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistan exports rice, cement, medicines, medical equipment, textiles, and fresh fruits to Afghanistan, while Afghanistan supplies coal, vegetables, dry fruits, soapstone, and fresh fruits to Pakistan.
According to official sources, the border tensions intensified after Afghan forces reportedly fired without provocation on the night between October 11 and 12, prompting retaliatory action by Pakistani security forces. The situation triggered widespread border disruption from Chitral to Balochistan, leading to the closure of key trade routes, including Torkham, Kharlachi, Ghulam Khan, and Chaman.
As a result of the closure, both countries are facing losses amounting to billions of rupees in trade. Sources say two rounds of talks aimed at reducing tensions have already been held in Doha (Qatar) and Istanbul (Türkiye), focusing on maintaining the ceasefire and reopening trade corridors, but no breakthrough has been achieved so far.
Meanwhile, stranded transporters and drivers at Shagai on the Torkham highway have begun reciting Khatm-e-Quran, praying for the reopening of the border. Drivers say that goods worth billions of rupees are deteriorating inside their vehicles, urging both governments to immediately reopen the border to prevent further losses and end the crisis.

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