A critical blow to Pakistan’s trade ambitions: the nation’s cheapest and easiest overland corridor has been severed. This development throws a wrench into supply chains that powered everything from raw materials to finished goods across borders.
Merchants report chaos at makeshift checkpoints, where lorries idle for days amid bureaucratic snarls. The economic toll mounts quickly—shipping rates up 35%, delivery windows shattered, and inventories piling up. ‘Our competitors are gaining ground while we stall,’ says an importer from Multan.
Why now? Geopolitical frictions have boiled over, sealing off what was once a seamless gateway. Rerouting through neighboring countries introduces new hurdles: higher tolls, security risks, and incompatible logistics standards. Sea freight, while viable, inflates expenses for time-sensitive cargo.
Experts forecast a GDP drag if swift measures aren’t enacted. Proposals include fast-tracking rail links and negotiating access pacts, but progress is sluggish. Meanwhile, industries like garments and agriculture bear the brunt, with export volumes already dipping.
This isn’t merely a logistical nightmare; it’s a wake-up call for resilience. Pakistan must invest in multi-modal networks to shield against future shocks. As the dust settles, the question lingers: can the country turn crisis into catalyst for smarter trade infrastructure?
