Afghan Transit Trade remains suspended after Pakistan halted all cargo movement indefinitely, ordering the offloading of containers at customs terminals and paralyzing bilateral trade through the Torkham border.
The suspension has stopped all container traffic under the Afghan Transit Trade agreement, disrupting a key trade route between the two neighbouring countries.
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The Pakistan-Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Junaid Makda, confirmed that around 1,000 containers used to cross the border daily during normal operations, but the recent decision has brought all activities to a complete standstill. Many traders have started selling their perishable goods along the route to avoid losses, while others who found storage space have shifted their cargo into warehouses.
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Customs House Karachi issued the suspension order after a meeting chaired by the Director General of Afghan Transit Trade. The Customs General Order stated that storage capacity at the Quetta and Peshawar customs stations had reached its limit, forcing the authorities to direct all terminals to offload Afghan transit goods from vehicles immediately. The order also cancelled all gate passes and suspended transportation of Afghan cargo until new instructions are issued.
Karachi Port and Port Qasim have also stopped clearing Afghan Transit Trade shipments, further deepening concerns among traders. Business circles fear major financial losses and long-term supply chain disruptions if the suspension continues.
Transit Trade now faces a complete halt as thousands of containers remain stranded on both sides of the border, adding to the economic pressure caused by recent tensions and the ongoing closure of the Torkham crossing.
