Karachi Port container auction starts for Afghan cargo

Pakistani customs has begun selling stranded Afghan cargo at the harbour after unpaid dues and border closures left shipments stuck for months.

Customs has put hundreds of Afghan-owned containers up for sale at Karachi Port over taxes, storage fees and clearance delays.

Traders say the Karachi Port container auction began days ago after formal notices; courts may still be asked to halt sales.

Earlier this year roughly 15,000 Afghan boxes risked disposal; over 60% were later sent home or via Iranian ports.

Afghan business bodies call the sales unlawful under regional and international trade rules.

Pakistan–Afghanistan merchandise trade dropped from $1.3 billion in 2024–25 to $358 million in 2025–26.

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