Afghanistan-Pakistan Trade Loses $2M Daily Amid Torkham Closure

DID Press: Ongoing closure of the strategic Torkham border has brought Afghanistan-Pakistan trade to a standstill, worsening shortages of medicines and essential goods in Afghanistan.

The Torkham crossing, a major trade artery between the two countries, has been closed since October 2025. Reports indicate that the blockade has caused over $240 million in losses to Afghan and Pakistani traders, generating an estimated $2 million in daily economic damage.

Before the closure, roughly 10,000 people and 500–700 trucks crossed Torkham daily, transporting essential commodities, food, building materials, and other goods. Now, trucks remain stranded at the border, and traders on both sides report severe financial losses and halted commercial activity.

Pakistani media have attributed the closure to military clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani security personnel, effectively paralyzing trade with Afghanistan. Pakistani officials warned that the ongoing disruption adds additional economic pressure on their domestic economy.

Meanwhile, the Taliban’s Ministry of Finance recently banned all imports of Pakistani medicines, threatening strict penalties for smuggling attempts. This decision has intensified shortages, as Pakistan previously supplied over 60% of Afghanistan’s pharmaceutical needs, driving up prices and straining domestic markets.