Afghanistan's Taliban government has announced it is actively pursuing alternative trade corridors through Central Asian nations as prolonged border shutdowns with Pakistan continue to devastate commerce and amplify economic losses.
Economic Toll and Political Accusations
Acting Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi revealed that Afghanistan is suffering staggering financial damage, losing approximately $200 million every month due to the closure of critical border crossings with Pakistan. Azizi condemned what he described as politically driven restrictions imposed by Islamabad.
Pakistan has repeatedly created obstacles, particularly during Afghanistan's crucial fruit export season, according to Azizi's statements during a Kabul session. The minister asserted these shutdowns lack any logical foundation and prove damaging to both neighboring nations.
At least five major border crossings, including the vital Torkham and Spin Boldak points, have remained shut for over a month following a severe deterioration in bilateral relations. The closures have disrupted trade flows, halted exports, and caused substantial losses for Afghan businesses that depend heavily on overland access to Pakistani ports.
Seeking Northern Alternatives
Labeling the Pakistan route as high-risk, Azizi detailed how Afghan traders have consistently suffered losses due to arbitrary decisions by Pakistani authorities. He strongly encouraged merchants to strengthen economic connections with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan instead.
We are actively collaborating with our northern neighbors to establish reliable trade alternatives, Azizi confirmed. He emphasized that the Taliban government would only engage in trade with Pakistan based on mutual respect and equality, stating there would be no commerce under pressure.
Azizi further accused Pakistan of exploiting Afghan traders and using commerce as political leverage. Our traders should not become instruments in Pakistan's hands, he declared, adding that if Pakistani traders want Afghan market access, they must manage their own marketing efforts without expecting one-sided conditions.
Diplomatic Collapse and Military Escalation
The commerce minister's comments followed Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's announcement that dialogue between Islamabad and Kabul had collapsed. Asif confirmed negotiations had entered an indefinite hiatus after two rounds of talks in Istanbul failed to produce agreements.
This diplomatic breakdown comes after weeks of cross-border clashes that have resulted in civilian and military casualties on both sides, representing the most serious escalation in years. The violence erupted following October 9 explosions in Kabul and Paktika, which the Afghan government attributed to Pakistan.
While Pakistan neither confirmed nor denied involvement, its military later acknowledged conducting retaliatory strikes targeting militant hideouts and army posts across the border. Military spokesman Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif claimed over 200 Afghan soldiers and 100 militants died in these operations.
Afghan officials countered these figures, asserting only nine soldiers had died while accusing Pakistan of killing civilians. Afghan spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid reported 45 civilian deaths and over 100 injuries, while claiming 58 Pakistani soldiers had died - numbers Islamabad disputes, acknowledging only 23 soldier fatalities.
Economic Fallout and Historical Tensions
The border clashes coincide with mounting economic pressure within Afghanistan. With trade routes blocked, exports have plummeted dramatically, inflation has surged, and traders face increasing uncertainty.
Pakistan historically ranks among Afghanistan's most significant trading partners, with annual trade exceeding $1.5 billion before the recent closures. As relations worsen, Afghan authorities are now urging exporters to redirect goods through northern corridors connecting to Central Asia.
The two nations share a 2,611-kilometer frontier known as the Durand Line, established during British rule in 1893. Afghanistan has never formally recognized this as an international border, creating persistent friction that continues to fuel political and security disputes.
Despite mediation attempts by Qatar and Turkey, both sides remain firmly entrenched with no immediate resolution in sight. Analysts warn that prolonged border deadlock could deepen Afghanistan's economic crisis and further isolate the landlocked nation from regional trade networks.
