Contrary to reports, Pakistan-Afghanistan trade has weakened since the Taliban took charge

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Several reports emerged just a few weeks ago suggesting that trade between Pakistan and Taliban-led Afghanistan had zoomed.</p>
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But according to Karachi based <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1649838">Dawn</a>, the flow of “Afghan transit trade and Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan saw a deeper drop since the Taliban took control of Kabul in August.”</p>
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The news organisation said that the flow of cargo fell by 16 per cent in August 2021 and a further decline of 73 per cent in September compared to last year owing to rising uncertainty in Afghanistan.</p>
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Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid addressing his first press conference had said that trade between Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries will be facilitated.</p>
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“Afghanistan is cash strapped at this point, how can trade flourish? It is however possible that Pakistan is sending goods as aid,” an analyst told India Narrative.</p>
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Last month, <a href="https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/pakistan-afghanistan-trade-soars-following-taliban-takeover/2365139">Anadolu Agency</a> said that trade between the two neighbours had increased since the Taliban took control.</p>
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A Pakistani customs official told the news agency that earlier in August most trucks were going back to Afghanistan empty to bring vegetables, fruits, and minerals “but now they are taking goods from Pakistan as well."</p>
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"We are facilitating these trucks and want to clear as soon as possible but due to lack of parking facilities on the other side of the border, these trucks are waiting here," the news organisation quoted the official as saying.</p>
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The official, according to the report, said that the number of trucks crossing the border Pakistan Afghanistan border has increased from the earlier 100 to 150 to 300 to 400.</p>