A major step toward reviving Pakistan-Afghanistan trade has been taken as business leaders from both countries agreed to form a joint committee to restore disrupted trade routes. The decision was reached during a virtual meeting held between leading trade bodies of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The move is being seen as a positive signal for regional commerce and economic cooperation.
Trade between the two neighboring countries has faced repeated disruptions in recent months. Border closures and regulatory hurdles have severely impacted businesses, transporters, and local economies on both sides. The newly formed committee aims to address these challenges through dialogue and coordination.
Business Leaders Agree on Joint Trade Mechanism
According to reports from Landi Kotal and Khyber, the virtual meeting was conducted via Zoom. The Pakistani side was led by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh. Senior business leader SM Tanveer also participated in the discussions.
The Afghan delegation was headed by Syed Karim Hashmi, patron-in-chief of the Afghan Chamber of Commerce. Both sides emphasized the urgent need to restore trade corridors and resume commercial activities without further delays.
During the meeting, it was agreed to form a 12-member joint committee. The committee will include six representatives from Pakistan and six from Afghanistan. The goal is to create a formal platform to resolve trade-related issues and improve coordination at border crossings.
Pakistan nominated Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi as the head of the joint committee. Afghan representatives will nominate their members separately. The committee will focus on identifying obstacles to trade and proposing practical solutions.
First Meeting Scheduled at Torkham Border
It was decided that the joint committee’s first in-person meeting will be held on January 6 at the Torkham border. The location was chosen due to its importance as a major trade gateway between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The meeting will focus on reopening trade routes and restarting stalled commercial movement. Key topics will include customs procedures, border management, and transit regulations. Both sides hope the meeting will lead to immediate confidence-building measures.
SM Tanveer stated that the committee would not be limited to one location. He said future meetings would be held in different cities of both countries. This approach aims to ensure broader engagement with traders and regional business communities.
He added that the committee would serve as a permanent forum to promote bilateral trade. It would also help resolve disputes before they escalate into larger disruptions.
Traders Seen as Bridge Between Two Nations
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh highlighted the role of traders in strengthening Pakistan-Afghanistan relations. He said business communities from both sides act as a bridge between the two nations through cooperation and mutual interests.
He stressed that economic engagement can help reduce tensions and build trust. According to him, smooth trade operations benefit not only businesses but also border regions and national economies.
Business leaders from both sides expressed optimism about the initiative. They said the joint committee could help remove unnecessary barriers at border crossings. Faster clearance and predictable policies were identified as key priorities.
Participants agreed that restoring trade would support employment, stabilize prices, and improve supply chains. They also emphasized that sustained dialogue is essential to avoid future disruptions.
The formation of the joint committee is being welcomed by traders who have suffered losses due to prolonged closures. If successful, the initiative could mark a turning point in Pakistan-Afghanistan trade relations and regional economic cooperation.
