ISLAMABAD: A prolonged closure of Pakistan’s key border crossings with Afghanistan — including Torkham and Chaman — has entered its 19th consecutive day, disrupting vital trade routes, stranding thousands of passengers, and deepening economic losses on both sides.
The shutdown follows deadly cross-border clashes triggered by unprovoked Afghan fire on Pakistani military posts, escalating tensions between the two neighbours already strained by security concerns over Taliban-linked militants operating along the frontier. The prolonged closure has resulted in hundreds of stranded trucks, long delays for traders, and growing frustration among citizens on both sides of the border.
The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has attempted various terrorism attacks in recent years by exploiting Afghan soil as a staging ground for planning, recruitment, and cross-border movement. Security officials in Pakistan have repeatedly warned that TTP operatives find refuge in certain Afghan border regions, allowing them to regroup, train, and launch attacks targeting Pakistani civilians, security forces, and critical infrastructure.
These incidents have heightened tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, with Pakistan urging the Afghan authorities to take concrete action against TTP sanctuaries and prevent their fighters from using Afghan territory to destabilize the region. The cross-border nature of these threats has made counterterrorism coordination essential, as both countries face long-term security and stability challenges linked to militant networks operating along the frontier.
In response to the aggression, Pakistan temporarily sealed all key crossings with Afghanistan, including Torkham, Kharlachi, Angoor Adda, Ghulam Khan, and Chaman, to ensure security and protect trade convoys.
Stranded Passengers Face Hardships
Alongside commercial losses, thousands of passengers have remained stuck at both border crossings. Many of them were waiting to cross for medical treatment, family visits, work opportunities, or academic travel. Women, children, and elderly travelers were among the hardest hit.
Humanitarian groups expressed concern about deteriorating conditions, especially as temperatures dropped during the night. Some families reported running out of basic essentials and appealed to authorities to allow at least limited humanitarian passage.
Residents of border towns — many of whom depend on daily cross-border movement for employment or trade — also criticized the prolonged closure, saying it has brought local economies to a standstill.
Trade Losses Estimated in Millions
The extended shutdown has significantly impacted commercial activity. Torkham and Chaman serve as critical arteries for Pakistan-Afghanistan trade, handling thousands of cargo trucks carrying food items, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, fresh produce, and transit goods destined for Central Asia.
According to early estimates from trade bodies, the closure has caused millions of dollars in losses for exporters and importers. Perishable goods — including fresh fruits and vegetables — suffered the most, with several consignments reportedly spoiled due to prolonged delays. Afghan traders also raised concerns that essential supplies, including medicines and wheat products, were running low in several provinces.
Trucking companies have voiced alarm over increasing demurrage costs, daily fuel consumption, and security risks faced by vehicles parked for extended periods near border zones. Drivers have complained about lack of food, sanitation, and shelter during the standoff.
Structure of Pakistan–Afghanistan trade:
Pakistan–Afghanistan trade is driven by geography, transit dependence, and mutual economic needs. Pakistan exports essentials like wheat, rice, sugar, medicines, and fuel, while Afghanistan supplies fruits, carpets, and minerals. The Afghanistan–Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) enables Kabul to use Pakistani ports for regional commerce. Major crossings such as Torkham and Chaman handle most trade, including informal exchanges that sustain border livelihoods, making the relationship vital yet highly sensitive to political and security disruptions.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have held multiple rounds of talks to resolve the border closure, with Islamabad insisting on stricter security protocols and Kabul calling for a return to previous arrangements. Both sides recognize the heavy economic toll but have yet to reach an agreement. Business groups and border communities are urging an immediate reopening to restore trade and daily movement across the frontier.
