Traders from Chaman, Balochistan, have urged the government to reopen the Afghan border to resume cross-border trade. The crossings have remained closed since October 11 due to fighting and retaliatory airstrikes, halting trade along the 2,600-kilometre frontier. Delegates warned that prolonged closure is causing severe economic losses and hardship for local communities.
The Chaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry led the delegation, meeting Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Senate Deputy Chairman Saidal Khan Nasir, and other officials. They highlighted the impact on exports, daily commerce, and employment, emphasizing the disruption to vital supply chains. Khan assured that the ministry would advocate for better trade facilitation and escalate the matter through national and bilateral forums.
Officials noted that decision-making on the border remains a government prerogative, balancing security and trade needs. The ministry promised to pursue sustainable and transparent solutions while promoting lawful economic activity. Traders stressed that reopening is essential for predictable trade and regional stability.
Local business leaders said closure has affected trade volumes, employment, and revenues, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Daily exports, including cement, sugar, kinnows, potatoes, medicines, and surgical items, have stalled, causing losses of over $4 million per day. Industrial raw materials and finished products are stranded at crossings, creating a growing economic crisis.
The traders urged immediate action to restore cross-border flow, warning that further delays could cripple livelihoods and disrupt the regional economy. They emphasized that resuming trade is critical not only for Chaman but for Pakistan’s broader economic connectivity with Afghanistan.