Trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan has decreased by 53%.
According to the data, the volume of trade between the two countries has dropped from $2.61 billion to $594 million.
The article states that following clashes between Kabul and Islamabad and the closure of trade routes, Pakistani exporters are facing losses of about $177 million each month.
Meanwhile, the Afghanistan–Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce confirms the decline in trade and says that traders from both countries, especially those in Pakistan, are facing heavy losses.
According to officials at the chamber, efforts have been made to reopen trade routes, but these efforts have been delayed by Pakistan.
Khanjan Alokozai, head of the Afghanistan–Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, said: “A seven-member committee was formed jointly with Pakistan, and permission was obtained from the Islamic Emirate, but a planned meeting between the private sectors of both countries to exchange views was postponed, and remains delayed.”
Mirwais Haji Zada, First Deputy of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “Our traders and farmers suffered losses, but Pakistan saw even greater losses, its trade with Afghanistan stopped, and its access to Central Asia through Afghanistan also halted.”
This comes as both Afghan and Pakistani officials have repeatedly stated that trade routes will remain closed until reliable guarantees are provided by both sides.
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