PESHAWAR: Despite facing heavy economic losses from Pakistan’s border closure, the Afghan Taliban remain unmoved, even as tensions and public frustration continue to rise.
The shutdown of the Pakistan–Afghanistan border has had a visibly negative impact on Afghanistan’s fragile economy. Afghan broadcaster Amu TV reported that prices of essential commodities have surged to unprecedented levels due to the disruption of cross-border trade.
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Citizens, expressing strong criticism of the Afghan government, said the rising prices have become unbearable for ordinary families. Basic food items are now out of reach for many households, leaving low-income groups struggling to survive.
According to the Afghan Chamber of Commerce, the country risks losing nearly 200 million dollars each month if the border remains closed. The chamber added that Afghanistan is suffering the most from the shutdown because of its heavy reliance on trade with Pakistan.
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Experts warn that the ongoing spike in food and fuel costs could make life even harder for Afghans during the winter season. They caution that if the border is not reopened soon, both the humanitarian and economic fallout will deepen.
Observers say the stubborn stance of the ruling Afghan Taliban has pushed the country further into a severe economic crisis, worsening conditions for millions already facing hardship.
