Kabul/New Delhi: In a major geopolitical and economic turning point, Afghanistan’s Commerce Minister has announced that Kabul has halted all transit trade through Karachi and is now redirecting its global commercial access to the India-backed Chabahar Port in Iran. The move marks one of Afghanistan’s most significant strategic realignments in decades, signaling a clear departure from Pakistan’s traditional trade corridor.
Afghan officials say the decision comes after months of delays, disruptions, and what Kabul describes as “unpredictable closures” along Pakistani transit routes — issues that have repeatedly harmed Afghan traders and increased shipping costs. By comparison, the Chabahar route, jointly developed by India and Iran, is being viewed by Kabul as a more dependable and politically neutral gateway for international trade.
The Commerce Minister confirmed that groundwork is already in progress, with Afghan and Indian authorities coordinating directly to address procedural and logistical matters such as customs systems, container movement, port handling mechanisms, and tariff frameworks. Kabul believes that negotiating these aspects with New Delhi in a bilateral manner will create smoother and more stable long-term trade pathways.
Initial assessments by Afghan trade bodies suggest that shifting to Chabahar will not only reduce Afghanistan’s dependence on Pakistani ports but also improve access to India, the Middle East, and European markets through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Afghan business groups have expressed support for the decision, highlighting reduced risks, better predictability, and increased export potential for key Afghan products.
Experts say Afghanistan’s pivot to Chabahar could significantly reshape regional trade dynamics, potentially redrawing long-standing commercial routes across South Asia and Central Asia.
For now, Kabul maintains that the decision is final and irreversible, positioning Chabahar as Afghanistan’s new and primary gateway to the global market.
[3:12 pm, 24/11/2025] Ishfaq Gowher Sir: J&K: Bajrang Dal Protests Over Seat Allocation at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College
In Jammu and Kashmir, the Bajrang Dal staged a protest on Monday against the seat allocation process at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College. Members of the organisation alleged irregularities and claimed that the distribution of seats was “unfair” and detrimental to deserving students.
Protesters gathered outside the college premises, raising slogans and demanding transparency in the admission procedure. They urged authorities to review the allocation system and ensure that seats are granted strictly on merit.
Police were deployed to maintain order, and the situation remained peaceful. College authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the allegations.
