More than two months after the closure of the vital Atari-Wagah trade route, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced ongoing diplomatic efforts with India and Pakistan to reopen this key passage.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting minister of foreign affairs, stated that the route was closed due to political tensions between India and Pakistan. However, Afghanistan hopes the Wagah border will soon reopen for the country’s exports.

The continued closure has raised concerns among Afghan traders, particularly fruit exporters.

Muttaqi said: “There has been a sort of deadlock between these two major countries, and they have shut the route between themselves. We have made efforts and will continue to do so, including through our embassies. God willing, we will keep trying, and we hope this path will be reopened and facilitated.”

The acting foreign minister also highlighted the importance of Iran’s Chabahar port, noting that increased activity there could benefit Afghanistan.

He further added that over the past three years, several countries have eased commercial visa issuance for Afghan traders. “Last year, dozens of visas were issued. We asked the unions to introduce five, ten, or twenty individuals, and visas were granted. From now on, additional visa facilities will be provided, especially for traders, and we will continue to work on easing travel for you,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment emphasized the importance of Indian and Pakistani markets for Afghan goods and called for the immediate reopening of the trade route.

Jan Agha Naveed, spokesperson for the Chamber, said: “Countries in South Asia, including India, are crucial markets. We must export our goods to India via the Wagah route—especially now, during the harvest season for fruits and vegetables. We urge the Pakistani government to facilitate access so that Afghan products can reach Indian markets through Wagah.”

The Atari-Wagah trade route has remained closed to Afghan exports for over two months due to escalating military tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi. This situation has disrupted trade and transit activities and caused losses for Afghan exporters.