The volume of bilateral and transit trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan has fallen to less than 66.27 billion afghanis (under one billion dollars) due to continued disruptions and the closure of border crossings in recent weeks.
In a press release, the Joint Afghanistan–Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the current trade volume is far below its potential, noting that it could reach more than 331.35 billion afghanis (5 billion dollars) annually.
Juned Maqda, head of the chamber, has sent a detailed formal letter to Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce, the Federal Board of Revenue, customs officials, and the director general of transit and trade, urging them to address what he called a “severe trade crisis” caused by the border closures.
Maqda said “thousands of containers” carrying commercial and transit goods are stranded across Pakistan. These shipments are destined for Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and other regional countries.
He said the prolonged closure of crossings has inflicted major financial losses on traders, drivers, transport companies, and customs brokers, many of whom are Pakistani citizens.
Maqda stressed that while he recognizes the importance of Pakistan’s national security, the heavy economic pressure on those harmed by the closures is deeply concerning.
He said economic pressure on traders, drivers, customs representatives, and workers has now reached a breaking point.
Maqda added that the chamber is working directly with relevant ministries to find a balanced solution—one that addresses security concerns without halting commercial activity. He warned that the crisis is not merely a trade disruption but a direct threat to the livelihoods of millions of Pakistanis whose income depends on cross-border commerce, and urged the government of Pakistan to act swiftly to prevent further economic damage.
