افزایش نگرانی‌ها از پیامدهای بسته‌بودن گذرگاه‌ها میان افغانستان و پاکستان

As four days have passed since the closure of key trade crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan, concerns are growing over the serious impact on trade and economic activities between the two countries.

The Border Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the continued closure has caused significant losses to traders and calls on both governments to take urgent steps to resolve the issue.

Shahad Hussain, former head of the Border Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “At the moment, routes for trade are closed. Our request to both governments is to resolve this issue so that trade and cross-border movement can resume. The damage is not limited to Afghanistan, it also affects ordinary people in Pakistan.”

Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment has described Pakistan’s move as a violation of accepted international trade norms and emphasized that commercial ties should not fall victim to political tensions.

Jan Aqa Naveed, spokesperson for the chamber, said: “Some international trade organizations, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), stress that no obstacles should be placed in the way of Afghanistan’s exports, imports, or transit. Unfortunately, such challenges continue to arise.”

In addition, several Afghan traders say the country should strengthen alternative trade routes through Iran, Central Asia, and China to reduce economic dependency on Pakistan.

Omid Haidari, one of the traders, said: “We urge the authorities of both countries to sign a long-term agreement to facilitate bilateral trade.”

Following recent political and military tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, major trade crossings, including Torkham, Spin Boldak, Ghulam Khan, Dand Patan, and Shahr Naw, have been shut down in recent days. So far, no specific timeline has been announced for reopening them, and hundreds of cargo trucks remain stuck on both sides of the Durand Line awaiting clearance.