The closure of Pak-Afghan transit trade due to rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan has resulted in hundreds of containers being stranded at Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and major border crossings, causing massive financial losses to traders on both sides.
According to Junaid Makda, president of the Pak-Afghan Chamber of Commerce, nearly 1,391 Afghan transit containers have been held up at various entry and exit points across the country, disrupting the flow of goods and trade operations that usually handle 1,000 containers daily.
Containers stranded across ports and borders
Providing detailed figures, Junaid Makda said that 291 containers are currently stuck at Karachi Port and Port Qasim, while 500 containers remain halted at the Chaman border, 400 at Torkham, and 100 containers each at Ghulam Khan and Khalarchi border points.
He said that the suspension of trade has also caused severe congestion at seaports and dry ports, as goods unloaded from ships are now stuck in warehouses and terminals, leaving no space available for new cargo.
“All the warehouses at Torkham are full, and the goods removed from ships are stuck at the ports, causing a severe space shortage,” Makda stated.
Massive economic losses for traders
The closure of Afghan transit trade is causing daily losses of over Rs1 billion, according to estimates shared by the Pak-Afghan Chamber. Traders on both sides have collectively lost billions of rupees within just four days, as per official data.
Due to the disruption, food and beverage items that were part of the transit shipments have been sold at half price, as traders attempt to minimize spoilage and recover partial costs.
“Trade losses have reached alarming levels. Both Pakistani and Afghan traders are suffering because of the continued suspension,” said Makda.
Goods affected: Electronics, machinery, food items
The stranded consignments include a diverse range of commercial goods such as electronics, electrical machinery, confectionery, chocolates, and other consumer items imported under the Afghan Transit Trade Agreement (ATTA).
Customs officials reported that port capacity is nearing its limit, and shipping schedules are being affected due to the inability to offload new consignments while existing cargo remains uncleared.
Traders demand urgent resolution
The business community has urged both governments to immediately resolve the trade impasse, warning that prolonged disruptions could lead to further supply chain breakdowns, financial instability, and loss of confidence among regional trading partners.
Trade experts also cautioned that delays could raise import costs, affect border market activity, and strain bilateral economic relations between Islamabad and Kabul, which have already been fragile amid recent political and security developments.
“Transit trade is a lifeline for regional commerce. Prolonged closure will hurt small traders, logistics companies, and exporters on both sides,” said an industry insider.
Fifth day of border closure
Meanwhile, due to the ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, trade crossings at the Khyber–Torkham and Chaman borders have remained closed for five consecutive days, causing long queues of cargo vehicles on both sides.
The Khyber–Torkham trade route has been shut for the fifth day, halting all cargo and pedestrian movement across the border. Thousands of freight trucks are stranded, with traffic backed up along the Pak-Afghan highway.
On average, 2,000 cargo vehicles and 10,000 travelers cross through the Torkham border daily. However, the ongoing closure has brought all such movement to a complete standstill.
Similarly, the Chaman border has also remained closed for the past five days, suspending all bilateral trade activities. A large number of freight trucks, many carrying fresh fruits, are stuck at the crossing and face the risk of spoilage due to the prolonged delay.
Jamal Shah Achakzai, leader of the chamber of commerce, has urged both governments to take immediate measures to reopen the borders and restore trade operations to prevent further economic losses.
