Afghan Chamber of Commerce Warns Trade With Pakistan Will Collapse
The Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce has warned that the challenges imposed by Pakistan could potentially lead to a complete cessation of trade between the two countries.
Khan Jan Alokozai, head of the chamber, has called on Pakistan not to intertwine trade with political issues.
Khan Jan Alokozai, president of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, stated: “We believe that if Pakistan and Afghanistan continue this approach, eventually this trade will come to a complete end.”
Meanwhile, some Pakistani media outlets have reported that transit trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan has dropped by 66% from July 2024 to February 2025.
Reports indicate that this decline stems from Islamabad’s strict anti-smuggling policies and the imposition of new restrictions on imports, which have directly affected the volume of trade between the two countries.
Mirwais Haji Zada, first deputy of the Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock, said: “There must be bilateral engagement, with its foundation laid on international principles, so that no one can block the transit routes.”
Trader Omid Haidari stated: “Transit discounts should be provided for our traders so that they can use Karachi and other Pakistani routes, which would strengthen both economies.”
The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment has added that in just the recent weeks during which the Torkham crossing was closed, Afghan and Pakistani traders suffered nearly $70 million in losses. A significant portion of export and import goods also spoiled due to the blockade.
