ISLAMABAD – 17 October 2025:
The ongoing Pakistan-Afghanistan border conflict has brought cross-border trade to a near standstill, leaving hundreds of containers stranded at major ports and border crossings, resulting in daily losses estimated at over Rs1 billion, according to trade and customs officials.
Cargo movement through critical routes such as Torkham and Chaman has been severely disrupted, with long queues of trucks and containers waiting for clearance amid heightened tensions and security restrictions.
Officials from the Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association (PIFFA) and Karachi Port Trust (KPT) said that the backlog of goods has caused severe congestion at terminals, affecting shipments of food, textiles, and industrial raw materials.
“Every day the standoff continues, businesses lose millions due to demurrage, storage fees, and delayed deliveries,” said one freight industry representative, warning of a potential supply chain crisis if the situation persists.
Economists have urged both sides to de-escalate tensions and resume trade, emphasizing that cross-border commerce plays a vital role in regional stability and economic growth.
Meanwhile, authorities are working on contingency plans to reroute essential supplies and minimize losses until normal operations are restored.
