Pakistan on Friday announced that border crossings with Afghanistan would remain closed, citing the security situation, stressing that saving the life of an ordinary Pakistani is more important than the movement of goods or trade.
Border crossings between the two countries have remained closed since October 11, following clashes earlier this month that killed dozens on both sides in the worst fighting since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Kabul.
In his maiden weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi confirmed that the decision follows last week’s security developments, which necessitated strict border control measures.
It is noteworthy to mention here that the border closures between Pakistan and Afghanistan pushed up prices of essential goods in both nations, with tomatoes now costing five times more in Pakistan.
“The Afghan border crossings will remain closed; the life of a common Pakistani is more valuable than trade or goods transport,” the spokesperson said.
Fresh fruit, vegetables, minerals, medicine, wheat, rice, sugar, meat and dairy products make up most of the $2.3 billion annual trade volume between the two countries.
Around 5,000 containers of goods are stranded on both sides of the border, said a Pakistani official at the main Torkham border crossing in northwest Pakistan.
Regarding the recent ceasefire talks held in Doha between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the spokesperson confirmed that a document had been agreed upon and signed.
Andrabi said that it makes no difference if the Afghan Taliban regime considers it an agreement or not.
On the issue of the Kunar River, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to adhering to international laws.
The border clashes were triggered after Islamabad demanded that Kabul control militants who attack Pakistan across their shared border, saying they operated from havens in Afghanistan.
A ceasefire was agreed in talks hosted by Qatar and Turkey last weekend and is holding between the two sides, but the border trade remains closed. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for October 25 in Istanbul.
Commenting on India-Afghanistan relations, the spokesperson said that India’s reopening of its embassy in Afghanistan is an internal matter between the two countries.
“We do not comment on the internal affairs of other states. However, India’s role in Afghanistan has not been particularly positive,” the spokesperson added.
On Israel, the spokesperson stated that Tel Aviv continues to violate international laws.
“We will keep raising this issue. Pakistan is closely monitoring Israeli violations and the events leading to them. The establishment of a Palestinian state remains the only roadmap we adhere to,” the spokesperson said.
It was reported earlier that border closures have pushed up prices of essential goods in both nations, with tomatoes now costing five times more in Pakistan since fighting broke out between the two South Asian neighbours this month.
The prices of tomatoes, have jumped by over 400% to around 600 Pakistani rupees ($2.13) per kg. Apples, which mostly come from Afghanistan, are also seeing a price surge.