Traders sound alarm over border shutdown

Warn government of crippling losses, job cuts, and soaring prices as Pak-Afghan trade stalls

PESHAWAR:

Traders and commission agents from vegetable, fruit, and grain markets across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have urged the government and relevant authorities to immediately reopen all Pak-Afghan borders for trade.

They warned that the continued closure is not only causing widespread unemployment but also leading to daily losses worth billions of rupees in tax revenue for the government.

Speaking at a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club, Malik Sohni, central president of the All Pakistan Markets Association, highlighted the severe economic impact of the border closure. "For nearly a month, the Pak-Afghan borders have remained closed to bilateral trade. As a result, trucks loaded with vegetables, fruits, and other agricultural goods have been stuck at the borders, spoiling en route. Importers, exporters, and commission agents are facing losses amounting to billions of rupees," he said.

The press conference was attended by key representatives from the region, including Haji Alif Khan, president of Fruit Traders Peshawar, Pir Dilawar, president of the Mirch Mandi, Haji Ihsanullah, head of the Grain Market, and Haji Faizullah, vice president of the Vegetable Market Peshawar. Malik Sohni reiterated that while traders fully support the army and recognize its role in maintaining security, the economic toll of the border closures is now untenable.

"Thousands of households are now struggling to make ends meet, with kitchens going cold due to halted trade," Sohni said. "We urge the government to engage with Afghan authorities and resolve these issues promptly." He pointed out that even in countries with strained diplomatic relations, trade routes often remain open to prevent economic hardship.

Sohni also warned that the closure of borders has triggered shortages in daily essentials, contributing to rising inflation across the province. Traders also raised concerns about corruption at checkpoints, alleging that customs and excise officials harass truck drivers and demand illegal fees, taking advantage of the time-sensitive nature of perishable goods. "Despite clearances from the Federal Board of Revenue and other authorities, these officials exploit the situation for extortion, knowing that delayed deliveries could ruin the entire consignment," Sohni explained.