PESHAWAR – Pakistan has decided to keep its border with Afghanistan closed for trade indefinitely, citing rising security concerns.
The decision comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations, with reports indicating that Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have issued a warning to Afghan traders to end their reliance on Pakistan and explore trade options with other countries.
Pakistani officials confirmed the move, stating that it is a response to the Taliban’s failure to take action against militant groups operating in the region, particularly the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The decision of closing the borders aims to send a clear message to Kabul that Pakistan will not reopen borders for trade or other activities until concrete steps are taken to eliminate terrorist organizations from Afghan soil.
“This is not just a routine administrative decision but a strategic policy shift,” said one official to local media.
“We have informed the Taliban leadership that there can be no further negotiations until substantial measures are taken to curb terrorism.”
The government reiterated that security concerns now outweigh all other priorities, with the new official stance being, “Security first, trade later.” Pakistani authorities emphasized that the well-being of its citizens is paramount, and any compromise on security would be unacceptable.
The border closure, which has lasted for over a month, has left thousands of trucks and containers stranded on both sides. Currently, only humanitarian crossings are allowed, primarily to facilitate the return of Afghan refugees and individuals stranded at the border.
A senior Pakistani official underscored that while trade and economic relations are important, they cannot take precedence over the safety of the nation’s citizens. The government remains firm on its stance, with no immediate plans to open the border until the Afghan Taliban takes more decisive action against insurgents.
