Pak-Iran & Pakistan-Afghanistan Borders Closed Amid Protests and Tensions

ISLAMABAD: The N-40 National Highway, a crucial trade route linking Pakistan with Iran, remained closed for the ninth consecutive day as families of 10 missing youths from Kardgap continued their protest in Noshki. The road closure has disrupted travel between Noshki, Rakhshan Division, and Quetta, severing the land connection between Pakistan and Iran. Additionally, the suspension of traffic has led to a halt in the supply of LPG gas to Punjab and Sindh, further exacerbating the impact of the closure. Protesters have also been reported to break the windows of a car attempting to use an alternative route.

In a separate development, the Pakistan-Afghan Torkham border has been closed for the 16th day due to escalating tensions between the two countries. The closure, triggered by a dispute over construction in contested areas, has significantly affected cross-border movement and trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Customs officials estimate that the ongoing suspension of trade has resulted in a daily loss of $3 million.

The closure of the Torkham border, which began on February 22, followed a confrontation between Pakistani and Afghan forces over the construction of a bunker by Afghan forces near Zero-Point, a disputed area along the border. This led to a military standoff, with both sides reinforcing their positions, prompting Pakistan’s Frontier Corps (FC) to respond. The closure has stranded thousands of people on both sides of the border, with nearly 10,000 individuals typically crossing daily.

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The Torkham crossing is a vital trade route for both countries, and the current closure has severely impacted economic activities. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been heightened by the ongoing issue of terrorism, with Islamabad repeatedly accusing Afghanistan of harboring outlawed groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to a report submitted to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Afghanistan is alleged to be providing logistical and operational support to the TTP, which Pakistan blames for a series of terrorist attacks inside its territory.

The closure of these vital borders highlights the ongoing geopolitical challenges between Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, with significant implications for trade, security, and regional relations.