Chaman traders flag economic losses amid prolonged Pak–Afghan border shutdowns

Traders and business leaders from Chaman on Friday expressed serious concern over the economic fallout of repeated closures of the Pak–Afghan border, during a meeting with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan.

Jam Kamal Khan held a high-level consultative meeting with leaders, traders, and community representatives from Chaman District and the Chaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCCI) to discuss issues related to cross-border trade, read a statement.

The meeting focused on the challenges arising from frequent and prolonged closures of the Pak–Afghan border crossing at Chaman.

Stakeholders highlighted the severe socio-economic impact of these closures, including financial losses for traders, disruptions in the export of perishable goods, rising unemployment, and hardships faced by the local population that relies heavily on cross-border trade.

Jam noted the concerns raised by the stakeholders and assured them of the full support of the Ministry of Commerce in addressing trade-related issues and facilitating legitimate commerce. He emphasised that the problems faced by Chaman’s trading community are a matter of priority for the government.

The minister clarified that while the Ministry of Commerce will actively advocate for improved border trade facilitation, the decision regarding the opening or closure of the border is taken by the government collectively, based on broader national considerations, and is not the sole mandate of the Ministry of Commerce.

Jam stated that the issues raised during the meeting would be taken up with relevant national authorities and at appropriate bilateral forums to explore sustainable, predictable, and transparent border management solutions that balance security requirements with the need to promote lawful trade and economic activity.

The federal minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving border trade challenges and ensuring that the people and business community of Chaman are supported in their efforts to sustain livelihoods and economic stability.

Earlier, the Ministry of Commerce sought detailed statistics on financial losses from the CCCI following the suspension of trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan amid rising tensions between the two countries.