Afghan trade suspension created sudden panic across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after Kabul halted all trade with Pakistan. Traders feared massive losses as border reopening seemed unlikely. Afghan leader Mulla Baradar advised Afghan businesses to avoid Pakistan and find new partners. His warning increased uncertainty for local exporters. As a result, industries in KP faced serious economic pressure.
Business leaders said the move could erase Pakistan’s strong market in Afghanistan and Central Asia. They warned that Afghanistan could easily shift trade to Iran, Turkiye, and Central Asian States. This shift would leave Pakistan without a key customer. Pakistan exports cement, fruits, medicines, tools, fabrics, and many local products to Afghanistan each month. Leaders feared huge national losses if these exports stop.
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Traders also said the Afghan trade suspension would reduce tax revenue at border points. The Federal Board of Revenue collects millions daily from import and export activity. KP industries could suffer the most due to their heavy reliance on Afghan markets. Many local factories cannot compete with larger industries in Punjab and Sindh. The halt of coal imports from Afghanistan also threatens cement production.
Experts warned that a long-term Afghan trade suspension could cause widespread unemployment in KP. Many industries might shut down due to low demand and high operational costs. Business owners could face bankruptcy during the current financial crisis. Leaders urged the government to rethink border and security policies. They claimed economic damage now outweighs political concerns.
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Transport groups reported major losses as over 500 trucks remained stuck at Torkham. Exporters refused to take back goods, and transporters already received payment for Kabul delivery. Drivers feared job loss as the crisis continued. Many said they felt trapped with no safe option. The region now waits for a solution that restores stability and ends the Afghan trade suspension.