$50 million losses from closing the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan

Closing the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan

The head of the chamber, Khan Jan Alokozai, said that "The closure caused losses of approximately $50 million over the past 20 days"He explained that between 20 and 25 thousand border workers were affected by the closure, including drivers, traders and brokers.

He added to Agence France-Presse that "Goods that we used to import from Pakistan have become more expensive, such as rice"While the prices of grapes that were supposed to be exported declined after they were re-introduced to the local market.

Alokozay pointed out that "Our businessmen are thinking of shifting to India, Bangladesh or China".

He explained that "Pakistan has been an important market for fresh and dried fruits due to its proximity, allowing exports before they spoil"adding that "Finding alternatives is difficult because Iran and other neighboring countries produce the same fruits"

Dozens of trucks left

Dozens of trucks left after waiting for days at the crossings to no avail. On October 19 in Qatar, the two countries had reached a ceasefire agreement that is still in effect, but their talks in Istanbul this week failed to determine its details.

The two parties are scheduled to meet again on November 6 in Turkey to try to revive the negotiations, at a time when each of them warned that their failure may lead to renewed confrontations.

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According to the Pakistani Federal Revenue Authority, between 2023 and 2024, Islamabad exported goods worth more than 800 million euros to Afghanistan, compared to imports worth 400 million euros, the majority of which were fruits and vegetables.