Pakistani authorities on Sunday closed the Ghulam Khan border crossing in southeastern Afghanistan’s Khost Province, halting all movement through one of the region’s key trade routes without offering an official explanation, local sources said.
Truck drivers were instructed by Pakistani officials to use alternative routes, according to residents in the area. No formal reason has been given for the abrupt shutdown.
The Ghulam Khan crossing, which connects Khost to Pakistan’s North Waziristan region, has been closed multiple times in recent years, often over political or security disputes. These closures have disrupted trade and caused financial losses for both commercial businesses and ordinary citizens.
In 2023, the crossing was shuttered for nearly three weeks before reopening following negotiations between Taliban and Pakistani authorities.
Local traders and drivers say the sudden closure has already disrupted activity across Khost and neighboring Paktia Province. The route is a major artery for the import and export of goods — including fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and industrial materials — and plays a vital role in Afghanistan’s fragile economy.
Drivers and traders have called on both sides to resolve disputes through dialogue and to avoid actions that further damage cross-border commerce.
As of Sunday evening, Pakistani officials had not issued any public comments regarding the closure. Taliban authorities said they are in contact with Pakistani counterparts to seek a resolution.
The closure comes during the peak season for the transport of fresh fruits and vegetables, exacerbating fears among exporters of spoilage, rising transportation costs and lost market opportunities.
Economic analysts say repeated and unannounced border closures undermine commercial trust and have significant adverse effects on Afghanistan’s trade, agriculture and economic recovery.
