ISLAMABAD: Amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Islamabad has suspended cargo transport under the Afghan Transit Trade from Karachi ports. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has directed all port terminals to offload containers already loaded onto vehicles, halting all ongoing operations.
Decision Made Amid Heightened Security Concerns
The decision was finalized during a meeting at the Directorate of Transit Trade Headquarters, Customs House Karachi, chaired by the Afghan Transit Trade Director General. The move follows intensified border clashes between Pakistani security forces and Taliban fighters along the frontier.
Border Clashes Escalate Along Western Frontier
The recent wave of violence began when Pakistani forces responded in self-defence to an unprovoked overnight attack by Taliban fighters and India-backed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, also known as Fitna al-Khawarij. In retaliation, Pakistan carried out precision strikes, physical raids, and targeted operations against Taliban camps and terrorist training facilities inside Afghan territory, eliminating over 200 Taliban and affiliated militants.
Temporary Ceasefire Reached After Fierce Fighting
Fresh clashes erupted earlier this week, prompting Pakistan to launch additional precision strikes on Taliban positions in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province. Following these operations, both sides agreed to a temporary 48-hour ceasefire on Wednesday after a request from the Taliban regime in Kabul.
Trade Suspension Linked to Infrastructure and Security Strain
The Afghan Transit Trade has now been suspended indefinitely under the Customs General Order. Officials stated that customs stations in Quetta and Peshawar have reached full capacity and cannot accommodate more containers. Terminals at Karachi Port and Port Qasim have halted all clearance operations related to Afghan cargo.
Containers Stranded at Ports and Highways
According to customs sources, long queues of transit containers have formed at the South Asia Pakistan Terminal (SAPT), with hundreds of trucks awaiting clearance. Many more are stranded on highways leading to Quetta and Peshawar, as drivers wait for border reopening and the resumption of transit movement.
Underlying Diplomatic Tensions Persist
The ongoing friction between Islamabad and Kabul continues to stem from Afghanistan’s reluctance to act against terrorist groups operating from its soil. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban administration to curb cross-border attacks, which have surged in recent months.
About The Truth International: The Truth International (TTI), headquartered in Islamabad, is a dynamic private organization engaged in research, analysis, and media production. TTI undertakes diverse research projects and operates a comprehensive media network that includes a fortnightly magazine, an interactive news website, an informative YouTube channel, and active social media pages across all major platforms.
Stay informed, stay engaged — stay connected with The Truth International.
