Amu: Afghanistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Investment said prolonged border closures with Pakistan have inflicted heavy losses on both countries, warning that bilateral trade has become politicised as disruptions enter a fourth month. Members of the chamber’s board said Pakistan is losing about $200 million a month due to the closures, which have been in place for around 107 days, severely affecting imports of key goods that Afghanistan depends on from Pakistan. “Pakistan needs us and we need Pakistan, but unfortunately trade has become political and that is why the routes are closed,” said Khan Jan Alokozay, a board member of the chamber. He said Taliban authorities were prepared to reopen the crossings if guarantees were put in place to prevent future closures linked to political or security disputes. Click here to read more (external link).