Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Pakistan Faces Major Economic Losses from Afghan Border Closure
The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been closed since October 2023, which has caused big problems for the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The province has lost a lot of money because they can't collect taxes from the trade that usually happens at the border.
The chief minister's financial adviser has asked the federal government to help solve this problem.
Many people who rely on trade for their jobs are struggling because their goods and payments are stuck at the border.
On January 4, people protested in the Landi Kotal area to ask for the border to be reopened.
They said the closure has made many families very poor and they can't afford to live.
They want both countries to open the border so people can travel and trade again.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has experienced a 53.02% decline in revenue due to the closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border since October 2023.
The province's Infrastructure Development Cess (IDC) collection dropped from PKR 7.42 billion to PKR 3.48 billion in the first seven months of the fiscal year.
The chief minister's financial adviser has requested an urgent meeting with federal stakeholders to discuss the revenue implications and challenges faced by exporters and traders.
Protests were held in Landi Kotal on January 4, 2024, demanding the immediate reopening of the Torkham border, with participants stating the closure has caused severe economic hardship.
The border closure has halted bilateral trade, causing economic problems for thousands of families who rely on cross-border trade for their livelihoods.
- Who
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, traders, exporters, and local residents
- What
- Economic losses due to the closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border
- When
- Since October 2023, with a protest on January 4, 2024
- Where
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, particularly the Torkham border
- Why
- Border closure due to clashes between Pakistani forces and the Taliban, leading to halted trade and economic consequences
- Revenue Decline
- 53.02%
- Revenue Loss
- PKR 3.94 billion
- Border Closure Duration
- Since October 2023
- Border Crossing
- Torkham
- Protest Date
- January 4, 2024
- Protest Location
- Landi Kotal, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Protest Organizers
- All Borders Coordinators Council