Kabul, May 08 (HS): The escalating tensions between Pakistan and India have negatively impacted Afghanistan’s trade, causing shipments from Afghanistan to be stalled at ports.

The Chamber of Commerce and Investment has highlighted the detrimental effect on Afghanistan’s economy, with board member Khan Jan Alokozai noting the rise in prices of Afghan goods in India due to limited supply and high demand.

Indian consumers prefer Afghan fresh and dried fruits, making the situation particularly concerning for Afghanistan. The board member urged both governments to separate transit and trade from political and security issues.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Finance Minister Abdul Latif Nazari also expressed worries over the adverse effects of Indo-Pakistani tensions on Afghanistan’s economy. Despite essential goods being imported through the Wagah border, these rising tensions threaten Afghanistan’s trade flow.

Experts propose leveraging Iran’s Chabahar port as an alternative route to enhance trade with India, and the interim Afghan government has called for diplomatic dialogue between Pakistan and India.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar