KARACHI: Pakistan has rerouted kinnow orange exports to the Gulf and Southeast Asia after the closure of the Afghan market disrupted one of the country’s largest traditional destinations for the citrus crop, the commerce ministry said on Monday, underscoring a push to diversify export markets amid regional security tensions.

The shift follows Pakistan’s closure of major border crossings with Afghanistan in late 2025 after deadly clashes and a sharp rise in militant attacks that Islamabad says originated from Afghan territory. Pakistan has linked the restrictions to concerns over cross-border militancy, saying trade routes would remain constrained until Kabul takes credible steps to curb militant activity, a charge Afghan authorities deny.

Before the shutdown, bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan exceeded $1.6 billion annually, with overland routes playing a crucial role in the export of perishables such as kinnow, a Pakistani variety of mandarin orange. Exporters have warned that prolonged border disruptions particularly hurt citrus shipments during the winter harvest, forcing consignments to seek longer and costlier alternative routes.

Despite the disruption, the Ministry of Commerce said exporters successfully redirected shipments to other destinations.

“Priority was given to expanding access to markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and other non-traditional destinations, while ensuring compliance with international quality and phytosanitary standards,” the ministry of commerce said in a statement on Monday.

According to official export figures cited by the ministry, Pakistan earned approximately $40 million from kinnow exports within 45 days, covering December and the first half of January, as shipments maintained momentum despite the loss of the Afghan market.

The ministry said it coordinated closely with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), overseas trade missions and logistics partners to facilitate rerouting, documentation and market outreach, helping exporters avoid losses during the peak citrus export window.

Officials said the diversification drive helped sustain foreign-exchange inflows and protect growers, packers and exporters across the citrus value chain, while reinforcing Pakistan’s reputation as a reliable supplier in Gulf and Asian markets.

The performance, the ministry added, is being viewed as a positive signal for broader agricultural exports as Pakistan seeks to reduce dependence on a limited number of regional trade routes amid persistent geopolitical and security risks.