Afghanistan, Aug. 1 -- The World Bank says disruptions affecting Afghanistan's trade routes through Pakistan have pushed Afghan businesses to rely more heavily on alternative transit corridors through Iran and Central Asia, while warning that economic pressures on households remain severe.
In its latest report, the World Bank said changes in Afghanistan's trade patterns have increased the importance of northern and western routes, with Iran and Central Asian countries playing a growing role in the movement of imported goods.
The report noted that Pakistan's role as a traditional trade gateway for Afghanistan has declined as businesses seek alternative routes following repeated border disruptions, trade restrictions and tensions between Ka...