Islamabad: Pakistan foiled an attempt to import 23 metric tonnes of Afghan-origin fresh fruits through Iran’s Taftan border on November 8, exploiting the Early Harvest Programme amid suspended bilateral trade. Customs rejected the consignment—backed by Afghan invoices, phytosanitary certificates, and export declarations—ruling the reciprocal programme inapplicable due to closed borders.
Over 5,500 Afghanistan-bound containers remain stranded in Pakistan, including 4,650 at ports and 729 at Chaman, 142 at Torkham. Border closures following skirmishes halted processing under the Afghanistan Transit Trade Agreement to prevent congestion, underscoring Kabul’s reliance on Pakistan’s shorter, cheaper routes (150-300 km vs. 1,200 km via Iran).
To shield Central Asian trade, Pakistan approved Uzbekistan’s airlift of five urgent cargoes and rerouting 29 containers through China under international conventions. Afghan exporters face spoilage risks and 30-50% higher costs via Iran or Chabahar, compounded by US sanctions. Last year, Pakistan exported $1.1 billion to Afghanistan against $600 million imports. Weekly inflation eased 0.6% (PBS), with tomatoes down 38%, onions 5%, and garlic 3.3%, as markets adjusted to reduced Afghan perishables.