Afghanistan urges traders to find alternative trade routes, citing Pakistan’s border closures

Afghanistan’s interim administration, led by the Taliban, has called on traders and industrialists to explore alternative trade routes, citing Pakistan’s frequent closure of border crossings as a major hindrance to trade. The directive, issued by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, came during a meeting with business representatives in Kabul.

Baradar emphasized the urgency of shifting away from reliance on Pakistan, stating that border closures by Islamabad had been used as “political leverage,” causing significant losses for Afghan traders. He urged Afghan businesses to seek alternative trade routes as soon as possible.

Baradar further stated that if Pakistan intends to reopen trade routes, it must provide firm guarantees that the borders will not be closed again for any reason or under any circumstances. The statement came amid ongoing tensions between the two countries, which have been exacerbated by deadly border clashes in recent weeks. Despite several rounds of talks to address disputes over militant activity, a ceasefire is currently in place.

The repeated closures of key crossings, coupled with rising militant attacks, have severely disrupted trade and travel between Afghanistan and Pakistan, putting additional economic strain on Afghan businesses. Islamabad has yet to respond to Kabul’s latest statement.