QUETTA: The Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry spoke on Sunday. It urged traders affected by the Pakistan-Iran border closure not to believe “negative propaganda”. It expressed hope the situation would improve soon. This Taftan border closure update comes as traders face growing uncertainty.
The appeal came as cross-border commercial activities between Pakistan and Iran remained halted at the Taftan border crossing. Indeed, the shutdown began on Saturday. Specifically, it followed the unexpected closure of the Federal Investigation Agency’s immigration gate. In addition, an important import waiver was also withdrawn. Consequently, this left traders worried about potential multi-million-rupee financial losses. Feature Pakistan reported on the closure and its immediate fallout on October 18.
Commerce ministry calls closure technical and temporary
In a new development, the chamber’s president has been in contact with senior officials. For example, he informed the Ministry of Commerce about the difficulties being faced by traders, importers and other businesses. The ministry assured the chamber that the border closure was on technical and temporary grounds. Specifically, its sole purpose was addressing incidents involving vehicles on the Pakistan-Iran highway in recent days. It also addressed issues faced at customs.
Furthermore, the chamber urged all traders and people affected by the border closures to remain hopeful. Moreover, it said the situation would improve soon. It also asked them not to believe any “baseless negative propaganda” in this regard.
No official notification yet
Despite the assurance, sources said the immigration gate at Taftan was closed on instructions. Specifically, these came from senior officials in Islamabad. The gate is a vital commercial artery connecting the two neighbouring countries. The exact reasons behind the decision remain undisclosed. Authorities have yet to issue an official notification. For instance, it would explain the suspension or provide a timeline for reopening.
The border closure coincided with regulatory developments from the Ministry of Commerce. Consequently, this added to the uncertainty for businesses that depend on the crossing.
A key trade artery under strain
The Taftan crossing is one of Pakistan’s most important land trade links with Iran. Its suspension disrupts a commercial relationship. Indeed, this has already been complicated by US sanctions pressures and regional tensions. Pakistan has played a mediating role in the wider Iran-US confrontation this year. Direct talks between the two sides are also on the diplomatic calendar. Furthermore, even brief border disruptions carry economic and diplomatic weight.
For traders in Quetta and the border districts, the immediate concern is practical. Consignments are stuck at the crossing. In addition, perishable goods are at risk. There is no clear date for resumption. The chamber’s appeal for calm suggests business leaders fear panic. Indeed, it could deepen the losses. Nevertheless, without an official notification, traders are left planning in the dark.
The coming days will show whether the ministry’s “technical and temporary” description holds. Feature Pakistan will continue to track the Taftan situation as it develops.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Taftan border closed?
The FIA immigration gate at Taftan was closed on Saturday. This was on instructions from senior officials in Islamabad. An important import waiver was also withdrawn. The Ministry of Commerce says the closure is on technical and temporary grounds. Specifically, it is linked to vehicle incidents on the Pakistan-Iran highway and customs issues.
What has the Quetta Chamber of Commerce said?
The chamber’s president urged traders and affected people not to believe “negative propaganda”. He expressed hope the situation would improve soon. Indeed, this was after conveying traders’ difficulties to the Ministry of Commerce.
Is there a timeline for reopening?
No. Authorities have not issued an official notification. Specifically, it would explain the suspension or provide a timeline for reopening.
