After Delhi Blast, Afghanistan Delivers Its Strongest Blow Yet to Pakistan — Trade and Transit Halted
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In a stunning diplomatic move, Afghanistan’s Taliban government has announced the suspension of all trade and transit operations with Pakistan, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between the two nations. The decision came amid rising global scrutiny over Pakistan’s alleged links to terror networks following the recent Delhi car blast near the Red Fort. The Afghan government’s declaration has reportedly left Pakistan’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir, in complete shock.
A Major Economic Setback for Pakistan
According to Afghan Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Pakistan repeatedly used trade routes as a political weapon, disrupting Afghan commerce for months. Announcing the suspension, Baradar stated, “To protect our national dignity, industries, and the rights of Afghan traders, the Islamic Emirate has decided that all businessmen should minimize trade with Pakistan and use alternative routes for transportation.”
This move effectively brings to a halt a trade relationship worth nearly $2.5 billion annually between the two neighbours. Afghanistan’s decision to stop allowing Pakistani goods to transit through its territory could deepen Pakistan’s economic troubles — already plagued by inflation and supply shortages.
Skyrocketing Prices in Pakistan
The impact of Afghanistan’s decision is already being felt on the ground in Pakistan. Prices of essential commodities — especially food items imported from Afghanistan — have surged dramatically. Reports suggest that tomato prices have jumped over 400%, reaching nearly PKR 600 per kilogram, while garlic now sells for PKR 400 and ginger has soared to PKR 750 per kilo. Apples, largely imported from Afghan orchards, have also become scarce and costly.
Economists note that Pakistan’s already fragile economy may face severe inflationary shocks in the coming weeks as cross-border trade dries up. Afghanistan’s action, they say, has dealt a “double blow” to Islamabad — cutting off vital supplies and exposing Pakistan’s growing diplomatic isolation in the region.
The Trigger: Pakistan’s “Hostile Tactics” and Delhi Blast Fallout
Afghanistan’s announcement followed reports linking Pakistan-based handlers to the Delhi car blast, where several terror suspects confessed to having direct communication with Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives across the border. Indian agencies claim the blast bore the hallmarks of Pakistan-backed terrorism — a charge Islamabad has repeatedly denied.
As investigations deepened, Pakistan’s leadership faced mounting pressure, both internally and externally. Rather than cooperating on counterterrorism measures, Pakistani officials allegedly attempted to deflect attention by accusing India and Afghanistan of “political conspiracy.” This stance appears to have backfired, prompting Kabul to take a strong economic stand against Islamabad.
“Pakistan Has Turned Trade into Politics,” Says Kabul
In his televised address, Mullah Baradar condemned Pakistan’s repeated attempts to exploit trade as a geopolitical tool. He accused Islamabad of “blocking routes and manipulating non-political issues for political gain,” calling it an act of economic coercion against the Afghan people. Baradar’s statement urged Afghan traders to “explore all possible alternatives” for exports and imports, signalling a long-term strategic shift away from dependency on Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi slammed Pakistan’s recent trade restrictions, calling them “an act of frustration.” He said, “A country that claims to be a nuclear power is now bullying Afghan refugees and playing politics over onions, potatoes, and tomatoes. Such behaviour only exposes Pakistan’s weakness.”
Talks in Istanbul Fail to Ease Tensions
Recent peace and trade talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban in Istanbul ended without any concrete outcome. According to diplomatic insiders, Pakistan’s demands for tighter border control and limitations on TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan) activity were rejected by Kabul, which accused Islamabad of violating past agreements. The breakdown of talks further pushed Afghanistan to adopt the economic freeze.
Fallout: Pakistan’s Strategy Backfires
Analysts say Pakistan’s decision to pressure Afghanistan through trade and border restrictions has now “boomeranged.” What began as an attempt to counter the Taliban’s growing assertiveness has turned into a full-blown economic crisis for Islamabad. With cross-border commerce halted and inflation soaring, Pakistan finds itself cornered diplomatically and economically.
Conclusion
Afghanistan’s trade suspension represents a historic turning point in South Asian geopolitics. The move underscores Kabul’s willingness to assert independence from Pakistan’s influence, even at a significant economic cost. For Pakistan, the timing could not be worse — facing internal unrest, record inflation, and international criticism over alleged terror ties following the Delhi blast.
If tensions continue to escalate, experts warn that both nations could face long-term regional instability. But for now, Afghanistan’s bold stand has sent an unmistakable message — Islamabad’s leverage in the region is rapidly diminishing.
