The prolonged closure of border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan has paralyzed trade and the transit of goods along key regional routes.
U.S. public radio network NPR has reported that for more than three months, Afghan and Pakistani truck drivers have been stranded with their cargo near the Torkham crossing and other border routes, with no clear prospect for the reopening of the borders.
The restrictions began in mid-October following clashes between Pakistani border forces and Taliban fighters, after which five active commercial crossings between the two countries were shut down.
During this period, hundreds of cargo trucks carrying export and import goods, including cement, food items, and medicines, have been halted at closed borders, inflicting heavy financial losses on the private sectors of both countries.
The Pakistani government has attributed the border closures to what it describes as the Taliban’s inability to prevent the activities of militant groups operating from Afghan territory.
The Taliban have rejected the accusation, describing the closures as an economic and political measure taken against Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the Taliban are seeking alternative trade routes with India, Iran, and China, and have called on India to help facilitate the transit of goods through Chabahar Port.
Despite these efforts, the continued border crisis has placed severe pressure on Afghanistan’s economy and on private-sector trade in Pakistan.
