The Pashto service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Mashaal reports that the closure of key routes between Pakistan and Afghanistan for more than four months has caused significant economic losses to farmers in Punjab.
Farmers say that disruptions to cross-border trade on both sides of the frontier have led to a sharp fall in potato prices, leaving market returns insufficient even to cover production costs. They warn that if the situation persists, the livelihoods of thousands of farmers could be further affected.
According to the report, following clashes in October 2025 between Pakistani forces and government troops of the Taliban in Afghanistan, several border crossings — including Torkham and Chaman — have remained closed to trade and civilian movement since October 12 of that month.
The report adds that officials from both countries held talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey, but the negotiations have so far yielded no results.
Farmers and traders in Punjab are urging the Pakistani government to take immediate and practical steps to reopen the routes, restore normal trade, and protect the agricultural sector from further losses.
