By Admin 
The ongoing border dispute between Pakistan and Afghanistan has badly affected the economy of both the countries. Since the closure of the border from October 11, not only has business come to a complete standstill, but the prices of everyday items have started skyrocketing. Khan Jan Alokozay, head of the Pak-Afghan Chamber of Commerce in Kabul, said that since the conflict started, both the countries are suffering a loss of about 1 million dollars every day.
Among the food items in Pakistan, the prices of tomatoes and apples have been most affected. Earlier tomatoes were available at Rs 120 per kg, now they are being sold at Rs 600 per kg. There has also been a huge jump in the prices of apples and grapes, because a large part of them is imported from Afghanistan. On the matter, Khan Jan Alokojay said that about 500 containers of vegetables used to come to us every day for export, which has now stopped due to border closure.
5,000 containers stuck on the border
About 5,000 containers are stuck on both sides of the Torkham border of Pakistan. These include things like fruits, vegetables, minerals, medicines, wheat, rice, sugar, meat and dairy products. Local officials said that now it has become very difficult to get things like tomatoes, apples and grapes in the market.
Situation worsened after skirmishes and air strikes
The border skirmishes started when Pakistan demanded action against terrorists carrying out cross-border attacks from Afghanistan. Pakistan claims that these terrorists are operating from Afghan soil, which Kabul has strongly denied. This conflict is considered to be the worst border conflict since the Taliban capture Kabul in 2021.
Ceasefire mediated by Qatar and Turkey
Late last week, both countries agreed to a ceasefire mediated by Qatar and Turkey, but trade is still at a standstill. The next round of talks will be held in Istanbul on Friday (October 25), where border opening and resumption of trade will be discussed.