UNAMA Warns Pakistan Border Closures Could Deepen Poverty and Unemployment in Afghanistan

DID Press: The continued closure of border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan is disrupting trade and transit, potentially leading to higher unemployment and worsening poverty in Afghanistan, the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has warned.

Rabab Fatima, head of UNAMA, said the prolonged border closures have had negative economic and social consequences for the lives of people in Afghanistan.

She added that the suspension of trade and transit activities along border routes has disrupted commercial operations, increased unemployment and contributed to the spread of poverty.

Fatima said the situation has particularly affected the livelihoods of families dependent on trade, transit and other economic activities linked to the border areas.