Pakistani Fruits Continue Spoiling After Six-Month Trade Halt with Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

Pakistani fruits, including kinnow, are spoiling in warehouses and markets such as Mandi Peshawar due to a six-month suspension of trade with Afghanistan, leading to heavy losses for farmers and traders.

Traders have shared videos on social media showing spoiled kinnow crates priced at 300 to 400 afghanis each, which have become unsellable. Published images depict large warehouses in Mandi Peshawar filled with rotting fruit. Previously, potatoes and other vegetables spoiled in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces after the trade halt.

The suspension, which began six months ago, has disrupted Pakistan's agricultural exports, including routes to Central Asia, according to experts cited in reports. Pakistani traders report significant economic pressure from the closure of export paths to Afghanistan.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has stated it will resume trade only upon receiving a written commitment from Pakistan not to politicize commerce or repeatedly close border crossings, particularly during Afghanistan's harvest season.

Afghanistan has since secured alternative markets for its domestic needs and exports, reducing reliance on Pakistan.