Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday downplayed Afghanistan’s move to reduce transit trade with Pakistan, calling it “a relief” rather than a setback. Speaking on Geo News, he said the decision would help curb smuggling and terrorism that often came under the guise of cross-border trade.
Asif argued that most Afghan goods imported through Karachi Port ultimately ended up in Pakistani markets, disturbing local trade and prices. “When their trade traffic reduces here, terrorism and illegal movement will also decline. It’s a blessing in disguise that they’re seeking alternate routes,” he stated.
Read More: Stop trade with Pakistan, Afghan Taliban tells traders
His remarks came after Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, urged traders to stop using Pakistani routes and explore alternatives. Baradar accused Pakistan of repeatedly closing borders during Afghan export seasons and warned that the Taliban government would not be responsible for traders’ losses if they continued using Pakistani routes.
However, Pakistani business leaders cautioned that the trade rift could hurt Pakistan more. “Afghanistan no longer depends on us — they import from Iran, Turkey, and Central Asia,” said Engineer Manzoor Elahi, a former vice-president of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Ziaul Haq Sarhadi of the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce added that 8,000 trucks remain stranded at the border, with millions lost in trade and export revenue.
Read More: Pakistan-Afghan trade booms with 39% surge in exports
Observers warn that continued closure of crossings like Torkham may deepen economic losses, erode Pakistan’s access to Central Asian markets, and push Afghanistan further toward rival trade partners.