ISLAMABAD: Asif Ali Durrani, a designated envoy from Pakistan, is scheduled to visit the capital of Afghanistan to convey a direct and clear message to the interim government of the Taliban in Kabul.
Against the backdrop of increasing tensions concerning terrorist safe havens.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir have issued robust statements regarding the presence of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) sanctuaries in Afghanistan.
In preparation for his visit to Kabul, Asif Ali Durrani reveal that Pakistan’s trade with landlocked Afghanistan has experienced growth since the Taliban regained control of the country two years ago.
Official data shows that bilateral trade has now surpassed $2 billion. Durrani also praised Afghanistan’s increasing trade with other neighboring countries like China and Iran.
He further highlighted that the relatively stable situation in Afghanistan has allowed Pakistan to boost its trade with landlocked Central Asian nations through Afghan transit routes. The trade volume has risen to nearly $200 million, a significant increase from $55 million two years prior.
Durrani emphasized that this development is beneficial for Afghanistan as it can potentially help to reduce the country’s high poverty rate, estimated to be close to 95% by the U.N. However, he acknowledged that achieving significant progress will require time.
Durrani pointed out that the rise in economic activity could also aid in addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, especially considering reports that international donors may decrease their aid contributions. He expressed concern that the coming winters could be even harsher for Afghans if aid diminishes.
It is worth noting that Durrani’s visit coincides with a surge in militant attacks in Pakistan. Particularly in districts that is near the country’s approximately 2,600-kilometer-long border with Afghanistan
