Pakistan's Exports to Afghanistan Decrease by 60 Percent

Data from the State Bank of Pakistan indicates that trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan decreased by approximately 59.07 percent over the past seven months to $228 million and 96 thousand, compared to $559 million and 52 thousand in the corresponding period the previous year.

Imports from Afghanistan between July 2025 and January 2026 fell by 58.18 percent to $6 million and 36 thousand, down from $15 million and 21 thousand a year earlier. The report identifies the decline in trade with Afghanistan as one of the largest factors contributing to Pakistan's drop in regional exports.

Following clashes between Pakistani forces and Taliban on October 11, 2025, Pakistan closed eight border crossings with Afghanistan. The closures, stemming from security tensions, have severely restricted the transit of goods and commercial movement. Pakistani exporters and Afghan traders are reportedly incurring millions of dollars in monthly losses, negatively impacting bilateral trade, supply chains, and economic activities in border regions.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry has repeatedly stated that the border crossings will remain closed until the Taliban provides credible written guarantees to prevent militant attacks and takes concrete action against Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

The ongoing situation has heightened concerns over escalating economic losses and increased pressure on traders and residents in the border areas of both countries.

Russia's Foreign Ministry, on February 23, 2026, estimated 20,000 to 23,000 fighters from international terrorist organizations in Afghanistan, with more than half being foreign nationals. It identified ISIS as the largest group with 3,000 members. Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid rejected the claims, stating that no such groups are present in Afghanistan, which maintains unified sovereignty preventing external group activities. The report detailed memberships of groups including TTP (5,000-7,000), Al-Qaeda (400-1,500), Islamic Movement of East Turkestan (300-1,200), Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (now Turkistan Islamic Party, 150-500), and Jamaat Ansarullah (150-250). It noted ISIS-Khorasan as the only group active against the Taliban regime, primarily in eastern, northern, and northeastern Afghanistan.