Islamabad — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on January 20, 2026, that Pakistan had no choice but to impose a complete blockade on trade with Afghanistan, attributing the measure to the interim Afghan government’s persistent failure to act against terrorist groups operating from its soil.
Speaking at a national workshop in Islamabad, the prime minister described the ongoing closure — in place since mid-October 2025 following border clashes — as regrettable but unavoidable. He emphasized that Pakistan had repeatedly sought commitments from Kabul to rein in outfits such as the Fitna al Khwarij, formerly known as Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), including those allegedly supported by external actors, but those demands went unmet despite multiple rounds of talks mediated by Turkiye and Qatar.
“افغانستان ہمارا ہمسایہ ملک ہے۔ ہمیں دل بڑا کرنا چاہیے، لیکن بدقسمتی سے، چاہے ماضی کی حکومتیں ہوں یا آج کی حکومت، ہماری میزبانی کی قدر نہیں کی گئی۔ چالیس لاکھ افغانوں پر پاکستان نے اپنے وسائل بھی نچھاور کیے۔ انہوں نے یہاں کاروبار کیے، شادیاں کیں، ان کے بچے اسکولوں اور کالجوں میں… pic.twitter.com/tH56CIMS3e
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) January 20, 2026
Key Highlights
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed a national workshop in Islamabad on January 20, 2026, calling the Pak-Afghan trade blockade “forced” by Kabul’s inaction against terrorists.
- Trade across the border has remained suspended since mid-October 2025 after clashes erupted along the frontier.
- Pakistan’s core demand: Afghanistan must commit to dismantling TTP, BLA, and other terrorist proxies operating from its territory.
- The premier referenced the 2020 Doha Accords, which clearly required Afghanistan to prevent terrorist activities from its soil.
- He noted that terrorism in Pakistan had been eradicated by 2018 through immense sacrifices, but resurged after that year due to the release of militants from Swat and influx from across the border.
- PM Sharif praised the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for their sacrifices and condemned social media campaigns that defame martyrs and spread hatred in tandem with enemies abroad.
- Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees using its own resources alongside international aid, fulfilling its responsibilities without expecting favors in return.
- The prime minister affirmed Pakistan will continue efforts for peace, stressing that what benefits Afghanistan ultimately serves Pakistan’s interests.
Reasons for the Trade Blockade
The prime minister explained that successive meetings with Afghan leaders yielded no serious commitments to counter-terrorism measures. “They did not adhere to a single one of our recommendations,” he said, adding that the only demand was straightforward: rein in terrorist outfits and proxies. He described the Afghan interim government’s stance as disappointing, particularly given the brotherly ties between the two nations.
“They are our brothers and sisters,” he remarked, urging Kabul to show mercy to its own people if not to Pakistan.PM Sharif highlighted the heavy toll of terrorism resurgence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, noting daily incidents that hinder development and prosperity.
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He recalled that by 2018 — following decisive actions post the 2014 Army Public School tragedy — the menace had been eliminated through extraordinary sacrifices by the armed forces and civilians alike. The reversal after 2018, he said, stemmed directly from cross-border dynamics and the release of detained militants.
Pakistan’s Commitment to Peace and Security
The premier reiterated that Pakistan seeks peaceful coexistence with its neighbor, as mutual well-being benefits both sides. “We have to live forever,” he said, lamenting that past and present Afghan governments failed to reciprocate the hospitality extended to millions of refugees. He stressed that Pakistan did no favor but discharged its humanitarian duty.
“اے پی ایس کے واقعے کے بعد افواجِ پاکستان اور سیاسی حکومت اس نتیجے پر پہنچے کہ سب برابر ہیں، اچھے اور برے طالبان کی کوئی تمیز نہیں۔ پاکستان کے ایک لاکھ افراد شہید ہوئے، جن میں افواجِ پاکستان کے افسران اور سپاہی، پولیس، رینجرز اور عام شہری شامل ہیں۔ ان کے خون کی بدولت دہشت گردی کا… pic.twitter.com/vSRzFAc5iu
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) January 20, 2026
While acknowledging economic strain on Pakistani exporters, PM Sharif pointed out that the blockade has impacted Afghanistan more severely, based on available trade data. He assured continued diplomatic efforts: “Rest assured, we will keep trying our best.”The nation remains resolute in its fight against terrorism until it is rooted out completely. The armed forces’ sacrifices stand unmatched — and the people of Pakistan will not allow efforts to defame martyrs or undermine national unity to succeed. Through vigilance and unity, the country will safeguard its security and pursue lasting peace along its western border.
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