Overview
- The Taliban has blocked the Khyber Highway at Torkham, cutting Pakistan’s main overland route into Afghanistan and onward to Central Asia.
- Pakistan has kept major crossings closed after October clashes, with Torkham, Kharlachi, Ghulam Khan, Angoor Adda and Chaman all shut to people and goods.
- Trade bodies report thousands of trucks stranded, steep local job losses, and daily export losses of $1.5–$2 million, with large import values stuck in limbo.
- Kabul has ordered a halt to clearing Pakistani medicines after three months and is expanding commerce through Iran’s Chabahar port and Indian links.
- Afghan government data show six-month trade with Iran at $1.626 billion versus $1.108 billion with Pakistan, as Ariana Afghan Airlines offers $1-per-kg cargo to Delhi.