Pak–Afghan Trade Crisis Turns Into Advantage For Kabul As India-Linked Routes Gain Strength

Islamabad: Trade tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been rising for months. Border crossings have remained shut after repeated clashes. Thousands of trucks have been stranded on both sides. Perishable goods have been damaged heavily. Traders say daily losses have touched one million dollars. This breakdown has forced Kabul to rethink its entire trade model. Pakistan is no longer seen as a secure or dependable route.

How Did Kabul Shift Its Strategy?

As Pakistan became unstable, Kabul turned toward new corridors. These routes pass through Iran and several Central Asian nations. Officials say the shift was long overdue. Afghan traders began using these alternative routes more actively. They saw fewer delays and fewer security hassles. The new paths also reduced political dependency. This shift has given Afghanistan an unexpected advantage.

Is India’s Chabahar Port Changing The Game?

Taliban officials openly acknowledge the benefit of Chabahar Port. The port, built with India’s support, gives Afghanistan direct access to the sea. Goods reach their destination without Pakistani checkpoints. Traders say shipments now arrive on time. This reliability has increased confidence among Afghan businesses. Chabahar has become a backbone for Kabul’s new trade strategy. It has reduced fear of border blockades overnight.

What Do Afghan Officials Claim About Trade Volumes?

Ariana News quoted the Commerce Ministry as saying trade with Iran has surged. In the last six months, volumes reached 1.6 billion dollars. That is far higher than the 1.1 billion dollars done with Pakistan. Officials say the difference proves the success of diversification. They insist this is not temporary but a structural shift. Afghanistan now sees Iran as its primary commercial partner. Pakistan’s share is shrinking rapidly every month.

How Much Damage Did Pakistan’s Closure Cause?

Trade chambers say the losses have been extreme. Earlier, nearly 2,000 vehicles crossed the border every day. Now these crossings have stopped for weeks. Fruit and vegetable exporters suffered the most. Afghanistan was seeing strong growth in agricultural exports. Pistachio, almonds, raisins and apricots were doing well. But repeated border closures destroyed momentum. Traders want long-term solutions instead of temporary deals.

Has The Taliban Government Benefited Politically?

Surprisingly, yes. The crisis has allowed the Taliban to look independent. They now show the world that Afghanistan can function without Pakistan. Iran and India-backed routes have given them leverage. Kabul can now negotiate from a stronger position. The Taliban government showcases the new trade corridors as an achievement. It uses this success to build domestic support. They also claim it boosts national economic stability.

What Happens Next For Regional Trade?

Experts say Afghanistan will continue reducing dependency on Pakistan. Chabahar and Central Asian routes will expand further. More traders are planning to shift permanently. Pakistan may lose a large share of Afghan transit revenue. Kabul wants stable and politics-free corridors. India is watching these developments closely. The new map of regional trade is now taking shape. Afghanistan’s reorientation may reshape South Asian commerce for years.