Pakistani media report that the closure of trade routes with Afghanistan has brought Pakistan closer to an economic crisis.
More than three months have passed since Pakistan closed commercial crossings along the disputed Durand Line, a move that has now resulted in significant economic losses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and across Pakistan.
In an article, Pakistan’s leading daily The Express Tribune said the decision has sharply reduced trade-related revenues, opening the door to an economic crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and nationwide.
The report stated: “The closure of routes has severely damaged employment and revenues. Border trade revenues have dropped by 80 percent. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government officials have warned that prolonged trade suspension between Pakistan and Afghanistan has caused serious revenue losses and job cuts.”
Previous reports had also indicated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s revenues fell by 53 percent due to the closures, prompting officials to call for an emergency meeting over growing concerns.
According to The Express Tribune, beyond financial losses, the continued closure of routes has also damaged Pakistan’s international credibility.
Another part of the report said: “The border closures have had a serious negative impact on Pakistan’s global reputation, placing the country in a contradictory position regarding its multilateral trade and transit commitments.”
Economic analysts believe that continued closures could push Pakistan into deeper political, economic, and social crises, stressing that the only way forward is a positive shift in Islamabad’s policies.
Economic analyst Abdul Jabbar Sapi said: “They are understating the scale of the losses. Not only are the losses significant now, but they will increase further in the future. Pakistan must change its policies.”
Another analyst, Samim Jahid, said: “Pakistan is currently facing severe economic challenges, and if trade routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan remain closed, the country will suffer even greater economic and social damage.”
Pakistan closed all trade routes with Afghanistan along the Durand Line in October last year, following retaliatory actions after Pakistani forces accused Afghan forces of launching attacks in Kabul and Paktika and subsequently targeted border posts.
