Pakistan grapples with deepening economic distress as Afghanistan border shutdowns persist, devastating Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s coffers with a 53.02% revenue nosedive. Since October 2025 trade freeze, the province seeks federal rescue.
Per Dawn, IDC receipts cratered to 3.48 billion rupees over seven months, from 7.42 billion previously—a blow to development ambitions. Exporters and locals stare down prolonged uncertainty.
Muzammil Aslam, Finance Advisor, alerted Commerce Minister Jam Kamal via letter for an urgent stakeholder huddle. Items on deck: revenue hits, business woes, payment pileups, trade blackout.
“These disruptions are crippling our economy, revenues, and employment,” Aslam stated. Court stay ended in November, yet border impasse blocks progress.
Firms battle stranded goods and dues, defaulting on obligations. Roots in eight-day October 2025 border clashes with Taliban; negotiations falter.
January 4 saw Landi Kotal erupt in protest led by All Borders Coordinators Council. Traders, transporters, elders, laborers united against the ‘financial slaughter’ of tribal lives hooked on Torkham trade.
“This gateway to Central Asia sustains our people,” voices rang out. The impasse demands resolution to revive prosperity and prevent further decay.