Pakistan Aluminium Beverage Cans Limited (PABC), the only aluminum can manufacturer listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange, has warned that the current tensions on the border with Afghanistan and the closure of key trade routes could affect its shipments to Afghanistan and Central Asia, creating uncertainty about its short-term sales performance.
In a statement to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), PABC reported that all major border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been closed to commercial traffic due to escalating security tensions and diplomatic friction between the two countries.
The company, which supplies aluminum cans to major beverage brands in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and some regions of Central Asia, noted that the continuation of these closures could have a significant impact on its export-related sales.
The statement detailed that PABC “values the consolidated commercial relationships with partners in Afghanistan and Central Asia, which represent an integral part of our diversified sales operations.”
The closure of key routes such as Torkham and Chaman, major points of bilateral exchange, has already affected the circulation of goods including food, consumer products, and industrial packaging. According to recent reports, the crossings have experienced intermittent closures in recent weeks following incidents of cross-border bombings and disputes over transit regulations.
Afghanistan and Central Asia constitute relevant export markets for PABC, due to the growing demand for canned beverages and limited local production capacity. Analysts warn that prolonged disruptions could lead regional producers to seek alternative suppliers or delay their production programs, which could temporarily reduce demand for PABC’s metal packaging.
Despite the uncertainty, PABC has reaffirmed its commitment to supply chain resilience and to maintaining strong relationships with its international customers, indicating that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust its operations as necessary.
