The commercial cost of Afghan intransigence

Goods trucks remain parked at the Torkham border’s terminal since its closure amid tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.—Photo by the writer • From $1.3 billion in FY24-25, bilateral trade has fallen to a little over $350 million in FY25-26 • Traders call for balancing security and commerce needs PESHAWAR: The sprawling terminal at Torkham, built at the cost of several billion rupees, wears a deserted look as a protracted conflict continues to overshadow trade ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Islamabad remains adamant that there can be no engagement with Kabul without tangible…