The closure of trade routes with Afghanistan is causing Pakistan a monthly loss of $177 million.

Pakistani media report that the closure of trade routes with Afghanistan is causing exporters in the country a monthly loss of approximately $177 million.

It is stated that the continuation of this situation could seriously weaken Pakistan’s position in the Afghan market and its trade routes to Central Asia.

According to reports, the closure of the crossings has disrupted supply chains and left thousands of freight vehicles stranded at the borders. Trade officials in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have warned that if this trend continues, it will pose serious challenges not only to exports but also to Pakistan’s regional role in South Asia–Central Asia transit.

Meanwhile, the Taliban’s Ministry of Finance, in a statement, announced an increase in customs duties on six imported goods from 50 to 80 percent. According to the statement, the customs duty on plastic footwear has risen from 30 percent to 50 percent, and on cardboard paper from 10 percent to 80 percent.