Pakistan-Taliban Ties Hit A New Low As Two Countries ‘Trade Insults’ Amid Clashes | Exclusive

Last Updated:November 16, 2025, 19:34 IST

The Taliban has closed the Khyber Pass Torkham border route by blocking the Khyber Highway

Tensions have escalated in recent weeks following deadly border fighting that killed dozens of soldiers and civilians.

In what signals an all-time low between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Afghan traders have been instructed to minimise trade with Islamabad.

“After Pakistan’s arm-twisting, Taliban has banned Pakistan’s access to Central Asia. Traders have been asked to use alternative available routes for transit of goods," said top Taliban sources.

The Taliban closed the Khyber Pass Torkham border route by blocking the Khyber Highway. “This is Pakistan’s main road link into Afghanistan and onwards to Central Asia. This means, no Pakistani trucks, no exports and no transit cargo can move through this corridor," sources said.

After this, Islamabad’s plan to be a hub for Central Asian trade will collapse. “The Khyber Pass is Pakistan’s only land gateway to Afghanistan and Afghanistan is Pakistan’s only land route to Central Asia," they said.

Taliban’s Deputy PM Mullah Baradar has said that the Pakistani route is high-risk for Afghan traders. “Once this route is closed, Pakistan cannot reach Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan. Pakistan is going to lose millions in potential Central Asian market access. Pakistan traders face higher transport costs, rerouting via Iran or sea," said sources.

“Pakistan is treating Taliban as second class partners and this is not acceptable. It is repeatedly shutting Torkham on its own for security, political, or counterterror reasons. Now Kabul is using the same tool as balancing act. This is an insult to us every day if they say our land is used for terror purposes," said sources.

Taliban wants Pakistan to give them level-playing field. “They are aware of our limitations and economic conditions," they said.

Afghan traders and ordinary people across the country are with Baradar’s decision.

“We feel this action is important for the country’s national interests, independence, and the dignity of traders. Pakistan closes its gates every year as soon as products arrive in Afghanistan and start accusing Afghanistan and mix political issues with trade. This creates major trade barrier and our payments are struck in Pakistan," they said.

News world Pakistan-Taliban Ties Hit A New Low As Two Countries ‘Trade Insults’ Amid Clashes | Exclusive

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