Trade disruptions at Attari-Wagah border leave Afghan dry fruit trucks stranded
The Attari Integrated Check Post (ICP), once a symbol of regional connectivity and economic opportunity, now lies underutilised. Opened in 2012 to facilitate fast and cost-effective trade, it had seen peak trade volumes of over Rs 4,370 crore in 2018-19. However, trade has faced persistent setbacks since the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, when India halted trade with Pakistan. Only trade with Afghanistan, routed through Pakistan, was continued – until now.
Mukesh Sidhwani, a leading dry fruit trader, said, 'Our trucks with perishable and semi-perishable commodities have been stranded on the way between Lahore and Wagah. Afghan and Indian traders will have to bear the losses for the perishable items that are in these trucks.'
Sidhwani emphasised the strategic importance of the Attari route for India-Afghanistan trade, noting that 'India's 90 per cent trade with Afghanistan was via Attari. This was the most viable link.' He added that while it took six to seven days for a truck to reach India from Afghanistan, transport from Amritsar to Mumbai took only four days, ensuring efficiency for time-sensitive goods.
'Pakistan government has allowed these trucks to enter India. We have also requested the Indian government. Afghan authorities have also been talking to both governments,' said Sidhwani, who acknowledged that Indian authorities are being cautious. 'We are hopeful that these trucks will be allowed soon. We also understand the national interests,' he added.
Traders are also concerned about the long-term economic and infrastructural impact. 'Thousands of people were employed directly or indirectly through this trade route. There is great infrastructure constructed at ICP. It will deteriorate if not used. It will be a big loss to Punjab, especially Amritsar,' Sidhwani remarked.
He further cautioned that if the route remains closed, traders may have to explore alternative routes like the Chabahar port in Iran. 'But that will not only increase the cost by 15 to 20 per cent but consignments will also take much more time. Time is a crucial element in the trade of perishable and semi-perishable items,' Sidhwani added.
Another trader, Rajdeep Singh Uppal, highlighted a new dimension to the crisis. 'India has imposed a ban for the first time on the import of Pakistani goods via a third country. So far, the situation is tense. We don't know what will happen in the future,' he said.
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