Pakistan Keeps Afghan Border Crossings Closed Amid Security Concerns
India's reopening of its embassy in Afghanistan internal matter between two countries, says FO spokesperson
Islamabad-Pakistan on Friday declared that its border crossings with Afghanistan will stay closed due to prevailing security concerns, emphasizing that protecting citizens’ lives takes precedence over trade and the movement of goods.
Pakistan–Afghanistan Border Closure Nears End; Reopening Expected Soon
The crossings have been sealed since October 11, after deadly clashes erupted earlier this month — the most intense since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021 — leaving several dead on both sides. During his first weekly media briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the closure decision was prompted by recent security developments that required firm border management to safeguard national interests.
It is noteworthy to mention here that the border closures between Pakistan and Afghanistan pushed up prices of essential goods in both nations, with tomatoes now costing five times more in Pakistan.
“The Afghan border crossings will remain closed; the life of a common Pakistani is more valuable than trade or goods transport,” the spokesperson said.
Fresh fruit, vegetables, minerals, medicine, wheat, rice, sugar, meat and dairy products make up most of the $2.3 billion annual trade volume between the two countries.
Around 5,000 containers of goods are stranded on both sides of the border, said a Pakistani official at the main Torkham border crossing in northwest Pakistan.
Regarding the recent ceasefire talks held in Doha between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the spokesperson confirmed that a document had been agreed upon and signed.
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Andrabi said that it makes no difference if the Afghan Taliban regime considers it an agreement or not.
On the issue of the Kunar River, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to adhering to international laws.
The border clashes were triggered after Islamabad demanded that Kabul control militants who attack Pakistan across their shared border, saying they operated from havens in Afghanistan.
A ceasefire was agreed in talks hosted by Qatar and Turkey last weekend and is holding between the two sides, but the border trade remains closed. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for October 25 in Istanbul.
Commenting on India–Afghanistan relations, the spokesperson said that India’s reopening of its embassy in Afghanistan is an internal matter between the two countries.
“We do not comment on the internal affairs of other states. However, India’s role in Afghanistan has not been particularly positive,” the spokesperson added.
On Israel, the spokesperson stated that Tel Aviv continues to violate international laws.
“We will keep raising this issue. Pakistan is closely monitoring Israeli violations and the events leading to them. The establishment of a Palestinian state remains the only roadmap we adhere to,” the spokesperson said.
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