Afghan Truckers Caught in Crossfire as Pakistan-India Tensions Disrupt Trade

the challenges faced by Afghan truckers due to heightened tensions between Pakistan and India. Following a deadly attack in occupied Kashmir, Pakistan halted trade with India, including transit trade involving third countries. This decision led to the stranding of Afghan trucks carrying goods destined for India at the Wagah border. Although Pakistan later permitted 150 stranded Afghan trucks to cross into India, India did not grant them entry, citing a lack of official instructions. Similarly, Afghan trucks carrying Indian goods intended for Afghanistan were stopped at the Torkham and Chaman border points. The situation has caused significant financial losses for Afghan traders and highlighted the vulnerability of Afghanistan’s trade routes amid regional hostilities.