Amid escalating Afghanistan-Pakistan trade disruptions, new regulations from Islamabad are halting Afghan trucks at borders, stirring anguish among drivers and traders whose families depend on these vital routes for survival and hope.
The measures mandate that commercial truck drivers hold both a trade licence and a visa, a dual requirement that has ensnared thousands of vehicles in prolonged delays, evoking frustration and despair for those who traverse these paths daily. Officials from the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment have voiced concerns that such policies hinder mutual benefits, calling for swift resolutions to restore smooth exchanges that sustain communities on both sides.
The Delays at Borders
Drivers like those sharing their ordeals report waits stretching up to fifteen days at crossings, a ordeal that not only stalls goods but also erodes the fragile trust built over years of neighbourly commerce. One driver highlighted the added burden of visa fees, now set at around $100, with additional costs imposed by intermediaries, compounding the financial strain on modest earners striving to support their loved ones.
In regions such as Nangarhar, traders lament the impact on imports and exports, particularly the loss of access to India’s dry fruit market following the closure of the Wagah border. This setback resonates deeply with families who rely on seasonal trades to afford education and healthcare, underscoring the human cost of these barriers.
Appeal from Afghan’s Chamber for Afghanistan-Pakistan Trade Talks
The chamber has appealed to Afghan authorities to negotiate with Pakistan for eased conditions, emphasising that facilitating trade could revive prosperity and foster goodwill between the two nations. As discussions loom, the plea echoes the aspirations of ordinary people yearning for stability in an unpredictable landscape.
These developments lay bare the vulnerabilities in regional ties, where policy shifts can upend lives overnight, leaving many to ponder the path to reconciliation.
The ongoing saga serves as a poignant reminder of how Afghanistan-Pakistan trade disruptions affect the heart of South Asian economies and societies.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 10th, 2025
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