Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said on Friday that border crossings with Afghanistan will remain closed following recent clashes between the two countries, citing ongoing security concerns.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the decision was made “in light of the current situation,” stressing that “the life of a common Pakistani is more valuable than trade or goods transport.”

Border skirmishes between Taliban and Pakistani forces erupted in early October, prompting the closure of most crossings along the frontier. Speaking at his first press briefing since taking office, Andrabi said the closures reflect the government’s priority of protecting lives over commerce.

The shutdown has left hundreds of trucks stranded at the Torkham and Chaman crossings, key trade routes between the two countries. Pakistani customs officials said around 495 transit trucks remain stuck awaiting clearance, leading to a sharp rise in food prices on both sides of the border, with tomato prices in Pakistan increasing fivefold.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance said customs clearance had been completed for 363 import trucks at the Torkham, Ghulam Khan, and Angur Ada crossings before trade was suspended, while 23 additional trucks remain in limbo at Torkham pending documentation.

Andrabi also confirmed that a ceasefire agreement was signed during the recent Doha talks between Taliban and Pakistani delegations. He added that the next round of negotiations between the two sides is scheduled to take place on 25 October in Istanbul, Türkiye.