In a move that has sent geopolitical and economic shockwaves across South Asia and beyond, Pakistan has once again closed the Ghulam Khan border crossing with Afghanistan. This action has not only deepened the rift between Islamabad and Kabul but also posed serious implications for regional stability, trade, and humanitarian well-being.
On August 1, 2025, Pakistan imposed a complete ban on the movement across the Ghulam Khan checkpoint. Previously, the crossing allowed some categories of people, such as critically ill patients, to travel without a passport or visa using a local token. But now, Pakistan has made it mandatory for all individuals—without exception—to carry a valid passport and visa, effectively cutting off a crucial corridor of cross-border movement.
Why Ghulam Khan Matters
Located between Afghanistan’s Khost province and Pakistan’s North Waziristan, the Ghulam Khan crossing is the third most important trade and travel gateway after Torkham and Chaman. It was officially opened in 2018 and had since served as a vital link for the movement of fresh and dry fruits from Afghanistan to Pakistan and further to Gulf countries. It had become a lifeline for Afghan traders and farmers who rely on this route for quick and cost-effective export of perishable goods.
With the sudden closure, long queues of trucks have formed at the border, travelers are stranded, and the once-bustling checkpoint now stands deserted. The fear among transporters and traders is palpable: if the ban extends to cargo movement, millions of dollars’ worth of goods, especially perishable items like fruits, will rot at the border. The Afghan economy, already reeling from decades of war and instability, cannot afford such blows.
Repeated Weaponization of Border Policies
This is not the first time that Pakistan has abruptly closed the Ghulam Khan border. Just weeks ago, it had done so temporarily. Experts argue that Pakistan has been using this checkpoint as a political and security bargaining chip—to pressure the Taliban-led Afghan government into compliance with its strategic interests. Since the Taliban's return to power in Kabul, tensions between the two neighbors have intensified over various issues, including border security and cross-border militant activity.
The instability in Pakistan’s border policy has created growing resentment among people on both sides. Cutting off access to employment, medical treatment, and trade routes fuels mistrust and resentment, worsening already fragile relations.
The Humanitarian Angle: Afghan Refugees in Limbo
According to the latest data from the UNHCR, approximately 1.2 million Afghans have returned from Pakistan since September 2023. Shockingly, 315,000 of them returned in 2025 alone, with 51,000 being forcibly deported. Women and girls make up half of this number, and around 2.2% of them are disabled. Most of these returnees face bleak prospects back in Afghanistan, where infrastructure is damaged, employment opportunities are scarce, and basic services like healthcare and housing are grossly inadequate.
Pakistan’s actions appear aimed at creating internal political pressure within Afghanistan, while simultaneously advancing its security narratives and strengthening its hand on the international stage. However, the brunt of this strategic maneuvering is borne by ordinary Afghans who find themselves trapped between two unfriendly governments and a crumbling economic system.
India’s Strategic Stakes
While the immediate fallout of this crisis is between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the ripple effects extend to India and the broader region. India has invested heavily in Afghanistan’s infrastructure and health sectors over the past two decades. Any escalation in humanitarian crises or disruption in regional trade routes could severely undercut India’s strategic presence and diplomatic gains in Afghanistan.
Moreover, Ghulam Khan’s relevance stretches beyond bilateral trade. It indirectly falls within the sphere of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. Pakistan’s recent policy shift, some analysts believe, aligns well with China’s interests in exerting greater control over regional trade corridors and securing strategic advantages in Central and South Asia. This raises larger concerns about China’s expanding footprint and Pakistan’s increasing dependence on Beijing.
A Strategic Chokehold
In essence, Ghulam Khan is not just a checkpoint; it is a heartbeat that connects Central Asia to South Asia. Every time this route is shut, it sends economic tremors and humanitarian distress signals throughout the region. The latest closure underscores Pakistan’s continued view of Afghanistan not as a brotherly neighbor but as a subordinate state to be controlled through coercive policies. This move mirrors a long-standing pattern of power assertion and destabilization.
India, in contrast, has reiterated its commitment to support Afghanistan during difficult times. Though New Delhi operates from a diplomatic distance, it remains actively engaged through humanitarian assistance and development projects. The bigger question now is what the Taliban government will do in response to this latest provocation. Will they bow to Pakistan’s pressure or seek new regional partnerships, including stronger ties with India, Iran, or Central Asian nations?
Conclusion
Pakistan’s closure of the Ghulam Khan border crossing is more than a bureaucratic decision—it is a geopolitical statement with severe consequences. It hampers trade, deepens humanitarian crises, strains diplomatic relations, and adds further instability to an already volatile region. While Pakistan tightens the noose, it’s the Afghan people who are being suffocated. The world—and especially regional stakeholders like India—must watch closely and respond with clarity and resolve.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational and analytical purposes only. The views expressed are based on publicly available sources and expert commentary. We do not endorse or oppose any government, organization, or political entity. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult official sources before drawing conclusions.
