The closure of trade routes with Afghanistan has severely impacted Pakistan’s economy, reports Dawn. Exports and transit to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Russia have been disrupted.
Cement and coal trade has halted, raising coal prices to 45,000 rupees per ton, forcing Pakistan to import from South Africa, Indonesia, and Mozambique.
Cement factories like Cherat, Fauji, and Maple Leaf lost significant revenue from Afghan exports, while pharmaceutical exports worth $187 million have also stopped.
Pomegranate imports from Afghanistan shifted to Iran, driving prices up; a 10-kg carton now sells for 4,500 rupees. Vegetables are also affected.
The trade blockade has left 700–750 containers at Chaman, 350–400 at Torkham, and over 9,000 stranded at ports.
Pakistan has lost foreign currency revenues and access to the Afghan market for wheat and flour products.