Pakistan’s renowned handmade carpet industry is facing severe supply chain disruptions following the closure of the Torkham border, a critical trade route connecting Pakistan and Afghanistan. The suspension has created shortages of essential raw materials, leaving carpet manufacturers struggling to maintain production schedules and meet export commitments.
Material Shortages Threaten Export Orders
A significant portion of Pakistan’s carpet exports relies on semi-finished handmade carpets imported from Afghanistan, which are then washed, dyed, and finished in Pakistan before being shipped to international markets. With the border sealed, local exporters report growing difficulties in sourcing key materials and components needed for ongoing orders.
Industry representatives warn that if the border remains closed, Pakistan could begin losing export orders within weeks.
“If the situation continues indefinitely, goods simply won’t arrive,” said Malik Abdul Latif, Patron-in-Chief of the Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association, in an interview with Wealth Pakistan. “Some items come exclusively from Afghanistan, including Khurjin and Sultani designs — high-quality products that are integral to our exports.”
Latif emphasized that both nations have rich and interlinked weaving traditions. “Every region has its own distinctive patterns and culture. Pakistan’s designs — such as Mohri, Jaaldar, and Sutri — are unique and highly valued abroad,” he added.
Trade Interdependence and Logistical Barriers
According to Latif, Afghan buyers frequently travel to Pakistan for sourcing, since Pakistan offers a complete range of carpet materials under one roof. He noted that international buyers avoid traveling to Afghanistan due to security concerns and that Afghanistan lacks a robust banking infrastructure, making direct exports challenging.
“Only shipments to Turkey via Iran are somewhat feasible,” he said. “Sending containers directly from Afghanistan to the U.S. or Europe takes longer and costs significantly more in freight and logistics.”
Latif underlined that Pakistan and Afghanistan’s carpet trades are deeply intertwined through tradition and commerce. “We hope the situation improves soon,” he remarked. “Pakistan comes first. If Pakistan stands strong, our businesses will survive. We will not trade with anyone harming our country, no matter the cost.”
Impact on Local Manufacturing and Exports
Latif clarified that the domestic carpet segment remains largely unaffected. “We are using locally sourced materials for our own production, so there’s no immediate disruption. However, Afghan manufacturing inputs are currently on hold,” he said, noting that most essential materials had arrived before the border closure.
He expressed optimism that once trade resumes, the situation would normalize quickly. “So far, there hasn’t been any serious impact on production,” he added.
However, other exporters are less confident. Muhammad Ashraf, another leading carpet exporter, warned that Pakistan’s overall carpet exports could fall by as much as 30% if the standoff drags on.
“Even if the border opens by the end of November, we will be fine — our products don’t spoil,” Ashraf explained. “We are largely self-sufficient. The wool comes directly from Siberia, and all dyeing, washing, and finishing are done here in Pakistan. The real loss is on Afghanistan’s side, where many weavers and laborers are now idle. But if the situation persists, it will start affecting us too.”
A Waiting Game for Resolution
While exporters remain hopeful for a swift reopening of the Torkham crossing, uncertainty continues to cloud Pakistan’s carpet trade outlook. The industry — a vital source of export revenue and employment — now faces growing pressure to adapt to an unpredictable geopolitical and logistical landscape.
