KARACHI – Amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Islamabad has suspended all Afghan Transit Trade operations from Karachi ports, The News reported on Thursday.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has instructed all terminals to offload containers and halt transport operations. The decision came after a meeting at the Directorate of Transit Trade Headquarters in Karachi.
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The move follows intense border clashes between Pakistani forces and Taliban fighters, reportedly backed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistan carried out precision strikes on Taliban camps in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, killing more than 200 militants, according to officials.
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A temporary 48-hour ceasefire was agreed upon on Wednesday at Kabul’s request. However, trade remains suspended indefinitely as customs stations in Quetta and Peshawar have reached full capacity.
Hundreds of containers are now stuck at Karachi Port and Port Qasim, with many more stranded on routes to the border. Drivers are waiting for further instructions as the suspension continues.