Saira Imran Afghanistan is facing a serious economy crisis after border closures with Pakistan. The blockade has badly hit its trade, especially fruit and vegetable exports. Thousands of trucks loaded with produce are stuck at the border. Due to heat and delays, the fruits and vegetables are rotting.
Traders say millions of dollars’ worth of fruits, including grapes, pomegranates, apples, and vegetables, are being wasted every day. These exports are the main source of income for Afghan farmers and exporters. If the situation continues, millions of Afghan families linked with agriculture will face financial hardship.
Earlier, most Afghan traders exported their fruits worldwide through Pakistan. Now, with the border closed, they are forced to use air or sea routes. Air transport is costly and limited, while sea routes are long and unsuitable for perishable goods. As a result, transportation costs have increased and market supply has dropped, raising prices.
Read Also: PM Sharif Calls High-Level Meeting on Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions
Afghanistan is not only losing money but also its global trade reputation. International buyers are turning to other markets due to delayed deliveries, weakening Afghanistan’s position in global trade.
Pakistani traders are also suffering since a large share of Afghan fruits is sold in Pakistan’s markets.
Business communities from both sides are urging their governments to reopen the border, rise above political differences, and improve cold storage, packaging, and logistics systems to prevent such crises in the future.
For Afghan farmers and traders, this is not just a business loss—it’s the destruction of years of hard work. If immediate steps are not taken, the Afghanistan economy crisis may become a severe blow to the country’s agriculture and rural economy.
