FOLLOWING the clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan last October, the border separating the two countries remains closed for trade, and people’s movement continues to be highly restricted. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted this issue while talking to a delegation from KP on Tuesday, saying that Pakistan’s hand was “forced” in the matter due to the Afghan Taliban’s refusal to effectively crack down on cross-border terrorism. Mr Sharif said the trade blockade “should not have been there”, but added that it was up to Afghanistan’s rulers to decide whether or not they wanted to live in peace with Pakistan. The border was also closed last February, after security forces on both sides clashed; but the current closure is the longest in recent memory.

Pakistan needs to balance its security concerns with the economic realities of the border region. While there can be no compromise on security, border trade is a key component of KP’s economy. As per figures cited by local think tanks, cross-border terrorist attacks did come down since the border was sealed last year. This is significant as 2025 was the bloodiest year in a decade for the country. Therefore, it appears that the state took the right step by closing the border in order to save lives in the country. Yet a way forward must be found that — while maintaining strict border vigilance — allows for the gradual resumption of trade activities.

Business activities have been affected in both countries, with large traders, daily wagers and transporters, who depend on cross-border commerce to make a living, bearing the brunt. In Pakistan, for example, representatives of KP’s business community have said the closure has caused them losses to the tune of billions of rupees, with perishable items rotting and containers held up at Karachi’s ports. Moreover, there is the concern that if the stalemate with Kabul continues, and the border remains closed, Pakistan’s access to Central Asian markets will be curtailed. The state needs to address the situation holistically. Nevertheless, the onus to improve ties lies on the Afghan Taliban. If they can give iron-clad security guarantees to Pakistan and ensure that terrorist groups such as the TTP and others will be reined in, the path to normalisation will become clear. If not, people on both sides of the border will continue to suffer due to the Taliban’s intransigence, and the lack of action on terrorist incursions. All of Afghanistan’s neighbours are affected because of Kabul’s inaction, as the recent killing of terrorists at the Tajik border and the suicide bombing targeting a Chinese eatery in the Afghan capital show. In the meantime, Pakistan can look into the option of resuming partial trade with stricter security protocols.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2026