Tehran- IRAF- Citing Dunya News Pakistan (Thursday, February 5), after border clashes between Pakistani forces and the Taliban in October 2025, which left dozens dead, Islamabad closed the Chaman and Torkham crossings.
Afghanistan is one of Pakistan’s major export markets for potatoes, and the suspension of trade with the country has left large quantities of the crop in domestic storage, causing prices to plummet and resulting in severe financial losses for Pakistani farmers.
In a statement, Pakistan’s Ministry of National Food Security said it is working closely with the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Commerce to “actively identify alternative markets and new export routes” to prevent a slump in exports and ensure Pakistani products maintain access to regional markets.
Pakistan previously exported a significant portion of its vegetables—particularly potatoes—through Afghanistan to Central Asian countries, including Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
The Ministry of Commerce has now been tasked with identifying potential buyers in other countries to help facilitate the export process.
According to the ministry, 36 countries have so far been identified as potential new markets for Pakistani potato exports, and the list has been shared with exporters.
Rana Tanveer Hussain, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Food Security, stressed that the government is committed to supporting farmers and boosting agricultural exports—especially through diversification of markets and enhanced coordination among relevant agencies.
According to the Economic Survey 2024–2025, Pakistan’s agricultural sector accounts for about 24% of the country’s GDP, with over 37% of its workforce employed in agriculture.
