Afghan Traders Suffer Losses as Tensions with Pakistan Disrupt Cross-Border Trade

KABUL/ISLAMABAD.The ongoing dispute between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime has caused serious disruptions in cross-border trade, leaving Afghan traders frustrated as truckloads of perishable goods rot while awaiting clearance at border crossings.

According to local traders, hundreds of trucks carrying fresh fruits and vegetables have been stranded near major entry points into Pakistan, forcing merchants to sell their produce at throwaway prices in Afghan markets to avoid total losses.

Reports indicate that tons of grapes and other fruits have spoiled due to the prolonged delay, inflicting heavy financial losses on exporters.

Meanwhile, business communities on both sides are calling for restoration of normal trade ties and de-escalation of tensions between the two neighbors.

The disruption follows a directive issued by Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) ordering the suspension of Afghan transit trade transportation from Karachi ports earlier this week, resulting in long queues of containers and trucks along the routes to Quetta and Peshawar.

Sources said hundreds of vehicles remain stranded, with drivers waiting for the border to reopen as diplomatic efforts continue to resolve the standoff.