Pakistan has suspended Afghan cargo transport following intense border clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces earlier this week. The decision marks a serious escalation in ongoing Pakistan-Afghan border tensions, disrupting cross-border trade and affecting hundreds of transporters working between the two nations.
Officials confirmed that the suspension was enforced after repeated incidents of cross-border firing and rising security concerns along the Kurram district. Authorities stated that the move was necessary to ensure safety and prevent any further escalation as tensions continue to mount on both sides of the border.
The suspension comes shortly after Pakistan and Afghan forces exchanged fire in Kurram, a violent confrontation that left several injured and deepened fears of renewed instability in the region.
Officials from customs and border management departments said the halt in Afghan cargo movement is temporary but could be extended if the situation remains volatile. The route is a vital economic link between the two countries, supporting trade in perishable goods, construction materials, and industrial supplies.
Local traders and transporters have voiced growing concern over the disruption, saying that a prolonged suspension will lead to major financial losses and delays in deliveries. Many trucks carrying Afghan goods were stopped at various checkpoints, awaiting further instructions from authorities.
The Pakistan-Afghan border tension has become a recurring issue in recent months, with both sides accusing each other of violations and provocations. Security experts believe Pakistan’s latest move reflects its frustration over repeated clashes and its determination to reassert control in sensitive border zones.
As diplomatic channels remain open, both governments are being urged to de-escalate and restore regular movement. For now, the suspension of Afghan cargo transport serves as a reminder of how fragile peace remains along one of the region’s most volatile borders, where trade, security, and politics constantly collide.
