Pakistan Reroutes Central Asia Exports via Gwadar and Iran After Torkham, Chaman Closure
Pakistan closed the Torkham and Chaman border crossings with Afghanistan on 20 Miizan 1404 following clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani troops.
The closures have prompted Pakistan to divert its exports destined for Central Asia through the port of Gwadar and Iran. Sanaullah Abro, a Pakistani customs official, told the Express Tribune that an initial shipment of meat was sent to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, using refrigerated trucks via Gwadar and Iran. Abro stated that Pakistan plans to transport further export shipments to Central Asian countries using this new corridor.
He added that operationalizing the corridor would accelerate Pakistan's economic growth and increase port traffic at Gwadar. Prior to the border closures, Pakistan had been routing part of its exports to Central Asia through Afghanistan.
The shutdown of Torkham and Chaman has caused significant economic damage to traders on both sides of the border. It has also led the Taliban to boost trade with Iran and Uzbekistan.
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