The recent opening of the Angoor Ada crossing point between Pakistan and Afghanistan is a landmark development signaling a renewed commitment to bilateral trade. The movement of goods and people between the two countries is a decades-old tale of immense potential marred by periods of volatility. This new chapter, with the opening of historic border crossings, is not just a logistical shift; it is a necessary step to boost confidence and economic stability in a region that desperately needs it.
In the case of Afghanistan, trade is not just an economic activity, but a lifeline. In Pakistan, access to seaports, especially Karachi, is a question of national survival due to the landlocked geography of the country. Importing and exporting goods is essential in terms of food security, medical provision, and raw materials to the growing industries. And without efficient trade routes, the Afghan economy cannot breathe, exposing its citizens to scarcity and inflation. The key to this economic viability lies in Pakistan, the closest neighbor of Afghanistan, with a major port. The most critical factor towards the well-being of the Afghan people is a stable and effective trade relationship.
The Historical Rollercoaster of Bilateral Trade
The history of Pakistan-Afghanistan trade is a classic example of untapped potential. Trade between the two countries has been a rollercoaster, with a high of about 2.5 billion at the beginning of the 2010s but then crashing in later years due to political tensions, border closures, and logistical challenges. The shutdowns of major crossing points and introduction of new tariffs have, time and again, caused stagnation in trade and a sense of uncertainty that has hurt business on both sides of the border. Based on the latest statistics, the Pakistani exports to Afghanistan were around $969 million in 2023, and the imports were about $691 million. The fact that trade has fallen by a wide margin compared to the levels of a decade ago, especially during the years between 2020 and 2023, highlights how vulnerable this economic relationship is to political and security-related upheaval.
Recent numbers, however, indicate a promising recovery. Bilateral trade also reached close to $1 billion during the first half of 2025, with Pakistan exporting around $712 million and Afghanistan exporting around $277 million. Projections indicate that the total trade volume for fiscal year 2024-25 could reach almost $2 billion, a significant increase from $1.6 billion in the previous year. This surge is primarily driven by a robust 31% growth in Pakistan’s exports, demonstrating a strong demand for Pakistani goods.
This trade potential is much higher than its historical levels. As Pakistan is an industrial and agricultural country, and Afghanistan has huge mineral deposits, the two countries are natural trading partners. The free movement of merchandise across crossings such as Angoor Ada may enable the trade of anything that includes textiles and cement to fresh food and even Afghan carpets. The trade route would also be an important vein that could be used to deliver Central Asian products to international markets through Pakistani ports and make the region a bustling commercial center.
Angoor Ada: More Than Just a Crossing Point
The Angoor Ada crossing is of particular importance. Its re-opening, in contrast with other, more militarized crossings, sends a strong symbolic message of goodwill and a common wish to promote economic development. It shows common ground that even though there may be a difference in the political aspects, the economic welfare of the region should be prioritized. The local people on both sides of the border who have been dependent on cross-border business to earn a living will be big beneficiaries. The recovery of trade translates to the creation of more jobs, more opportunities, and a sense of normalcy that has been long overdue.
The difficulty now lies in making sure this momentum continues. Such important pathways can be easily closed by political headwinds, as demonstrated in the past. To avoid this, both governments need to devote themselves to a long-term plan of depoliticizing trade and making the regulations transparent, clear, and consistent. To ensure that the trade corridor is as efficient as it can possibly be, investing in improved infrastructure at the crossing points and streamlining the customs processes will be essential.
It is a test of pragmatism versus politics. The opening of Angoor Ada is a good beginning, which should be supported by practical steps that would instill faith and an effective framework to sustain trade in the future. This initiative will not only help in the economic development of Pakistan and Afghanistan, but it will also help in making South Asia a more stable and a more prosperous region.
