ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Pakistan declared its Afghan border shut indefinitely on Monday, prioritising security over trade with Afghanistan. The announcement came at 4:35 PM amid escalating tensions. Officials cited the Taliban’s inaction against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Border points allow only one-way humanitarian passage. The move halts bilateral trade routes. Why does this deadlock threaten regional supply chains?
Pakistan Security Over Trade Afghanistan Stance Hardens
Pakistan extended the closure of the Afghan border indefinitely until the Taliban takes verifiable steps against terrorist groups. The closure, now over a month long, stems from recent attacks traced to Afghan soil. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi addressed the issue in a weekly briefing. He stated Pakistan offered trade concessions to Kabul. Yet, these gestures met no reciprocity. “Pakistan is a strong proponent of regional trade and connectivity. We extended several trade concessions to Afghanistan, but these positive gestures have not been reciprocated by the Afghan Taliban regime, which continues to harbour and actively support elements perpetrating terrorism against Pakistan from Afghan soil.”
Andrabi referenced a suicide bombing in Islamabad and an assault in Wana. He noted an Afghan national as the bomber in the capital incident. “Both incidents had deep Afghan fingerprints… In the Islamabad attack, an Afghan national was the suicide bomber. So let this reality sink in in Kabul.” The Taliban claims helplessness against the TTP. Andrabi rejected this. “They claim control over all Afghan territory, yet attacks on Pakistan continue to be orchestrated from Afghan soil… Afghan nationals involved in these attacks bear responsibility alongside the groups they harbour.”
A senior security official reinforced the priority. “Human lives take precedence over trade and economic considerations.” Another described the policy as “Security first, trade later.” This reflects Pakistan’s shift after years of hosting Afghan refugees and facilitating transit.
Torkham Border Closure Indefinite Strands Truckers
The Torkham border closure indefinite disrupts the key crossing between Peshawar and Jalalabad. Thousands of trucks and containers wait on both sides. Goods worth PKR 2.5 billion in daily trade now rot. The Afghan trade suspension Pakistan affects fruits, vegetables, and minerals. Exporters report losses exceeding PKR 500 million in the first week alone.
Authorities permit one-way movement for Afghan refugees returning home. Over 5,000 individuals crossed since the partial opening. No cargo enters Pakistan. Officials screen entrants for security risks. The Chaman crossing mirrors this setup. It links Quetta to Kandahar. Similar backlogs build there. Truck drivers protest delays. One driver from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said food stocks spoil without cold chains.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release on border management. It stresses dialogue despite provocations. Temporary closures occur in extreme cases, like the September 2023 Torkham incident. Or when Afghan soil launches attacks inside Pakistan. The current indefinite status escalates this norm. A transcript from the October 31, 2025, briefing confirms the border remains closed until further notice. It follows unprovoked aggression on October 11-12 and 14-15. “Pakistan decisively responded to Afghan provocations aimed at destabilizing the border areas, facilitating terrorism, and furthering the Fitna al-Khwarij’s nefarious designs.”
Afghan Trade Suspension Pakistan Hits Economy
The Afghan trade suspension, a result of Pakistan’s policy, halts a vital corridor. Annual bilateral trade tops USD 2.5 billion. Pakistan exports cement, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. Imports include dried fruits and gems. The shutdown spikes prices in Peshawar markets. Vegetable costs rose 30% in a single day.
Transit trade suffers too. Goods bound for Central Asia via the Pakistan stall. The Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement of 2010 crumbles under strain. Officials blame Taliban inaction on TTP sanctuaries. A UN report confirms the presence of terrorists in Afghanistan. Pakistan seeks written guarantees from Kabul.
The Foreign Office transcript details a surge in attacks despite assurances being given. “However, despite repeated assurances in the past, there has been a surge in terrorist attacks in Pakistan from Afghanistan.” Pakistan desires peace. It wants a stable Afghanistan at peace with its neighbours. Yet, it vows a resolute response to future threats. “Pakistan will respond resolutely if provocations continue in the future.”
Border Standoff’s Regional Toll
The Afghan border remains shut indefinitely, underscoring security dilemmas in South Asia. It prioritizes counter-terrorism over economic ties, straining fragile Afghanistan-Pakistan relations. Broader impacts ripple to India and Central Asia via disrupted transit. Refugee flows may increase, and trade voids can lead to smuggling. Stability demands Taliban accountability, lest volatility engulfs the neighbourhood.
Background: Escalating Tensions
Cross-border friction dates to the 2021 Taliban takeover. Pakistan hosted 1.4 million Afghan refugees. It issued Proof of Registration cards. Yet, TTP attacks rose. The group, allied with the Taliban, targets Pakistani forces. Islamabad expelled undocumented Afghans in 2023-2024 phases.
October 2025 clashes marked a peak. Afghan forces fired across the Durand Line on October 11-12. Pakistan repelled assaults, destroying terrorist infrastructure. “Pakistan is deeply concerned at the unwarranted aggression by the Afghan Taliban, Fitna-e-Khawarij, and Fitna-e-Hindustan along the Pak-Afghan border on the night of 11-12 October 2025.” Exchanges continued on October 14 and 15. Pakistan inflicted heavy losses on the aggressors.
The Foreign Office rejects Taliban diversions. “Pakistan strongly rejects assertions and insinuations by the Interim Afghan Foreign Minister in India to divert attention from the presence of terrorist elements in Afghanistan.” It urges Kabul to honour commitments. Pakistan values diplomacy. It seeks mutual benefits.
Security Measures at Crossings after Afghan Border Shut Down
Forces bolstered patrols at Torkham and Chaman. Drones monitor movements. Checkpoints screen vehicles rigorously. Humanitarian lanes operate from dawn to dusk. Over 600,000 Afghans repatriated since 2023. The current phase focuses on voluntary returns.
Officials coordinate with UNHCR. They ensure dignity in the process. “We expect interim Afghan authorities to create conducive conditions,” a statement noted.
What’s Next for Stalemate
Talks are set to resume on November 6, 2025, according to a joint statement. Principal interlocutors engage. Pakistan seeks permanent TTP curbs. The Afghan border shut indefinitely. Pakistan persists in the absence of progress. Trade stakeholders lobby for concessions. Regional forums like SAARC may mediate. Yet, security remains paramount. The indefinite Torkham border closure tests bilateral resolve, with Pakistan’s security concerns over trade with Afghanistan defining the path forward.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, November 17th, 2025
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