Trade between Pakistan, Afghanistan drops by 40pc amid border tensions

Kabul [Afghanistan], January 11 : Trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan has dropped by 40 per cent, due to continued disruptions in commercial routes between the two countries amid border disputes, Tolo News reported quoting reports by the Taliban commerce and industry ministry.

Official data showed that in 2024, the total trade volume between the two countries reached USD 2.461 billion. However, in 2025, it fell to USD 1.766 billion, marking a significant decline of USD 695 million.

During the same period, Afghanistan's exports to Pakistan dropped from USD 817 million to USD 505 million, while imports decreased from USD 1.644 billion to USD 1.261 billion.

A spokesperson of Taliban, Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad told Tolo News, "In 2024, imports from Pakistan were valued at USD 1.644 billion, but in 2025, they declined to USD 1.261 billion. The figures clearly show a steep reduction in trade compared to the previous year."

Economic analysts stress that Afghanistan should not rely on a single trade partner or transit route. They argue that developing alternative corridors through Iran, Central Asia, and air cargo links could reduce dependency on Pakistan and contribute to long-term economic stability.

Mir Shakir Yaqubi, an economic affairs expert was cited by Tolo News as saying, "To ensure trade security in Afghanistan, we must avoid over-dependence on one country. Exploring and developing alternatives will lead to stronger economic growth."

Major commercial crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan, such as Torkham and Spin Boldak, have remained fully closed for nearly three months due to political tensions on the Pakistani side.

These closures have led to repeated halts in freight movement and financial losses for traders on both sides. So far, neither government has announced a timeline or plan to resolve the issue and restore normal trade flows.

Deported Afghan migrants from Pakistan shared their plight as they arrived back empty-handed in large numbers in Afghanistan, Tolo News reported.

According to the publication the Afghan migrants shared that they have left all their belongings behind and returned to Afghanistan empty-handed.

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