13-member body to hold formal talks aimed at easing tensions and restoring trade
Torkham Gate Pakistan. PHOTO: RP
In a significant development aimed at reducing tensions and reviving trade activities, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to establish a 13-member joint committee to hold formal talks at the Torkham border.
According to sources, the joint committee consists of six members from Pakistan and seven from Afghanistan. The Pakistani delegation will be led by Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi, Adviser to the President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), while the Afghan side will be led by Mohammad Wali Amini.
Addressing the media, Kazmi said that the primary objective of the talks is the immediate reopening of Pak-Afghan trade routes, removal of hurdles in border management and ensuring the continuity of bilateral trade. He added that a comprehensive and practical roadmap would be formulated to provide a lasting solution to the problems faced by traders and the public.
Kazmi expressed optimism about positive outcomes of the talks and noted that the Government of Pakistan has given the committee full decision-making powers to ensure meaningful talks.
The Pakistani committee includes Sardar Muhammad Ayub Maryani (President, Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Haji Muhammad Yousaf Afridi (President, Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Haji Qadeerullah Wazir (President, Waziristan Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Shireen Khan Afridi Commerce (Khyber Industry Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Shireen Khan Afridi and Engineer Industry Chamber of Commerce. Achakzai (Former FPCCI President).
The Afghan delegation consists of Mohammad Wali Amini (Committee Leader, Ghazni Chamber of Commerce), Inayatullah Sadiqzai (Nangarhar Chamber), Meerajan Sulaiman Khail (Herat Chamber), Khan Jan Alokozai (Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce), Haji Masood Rahat (Kandahar Chamber), Haji Hamayoon (Kahamad Shaman Chamber), Haji Hamayoon (Kawa-Shaman Chamber), and (Khost Chamber of Commerce).
It is important to note that all trade crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been closed to all movement since October 12 due to heightened tensions, resulting in heavy economic losses to traders on both sides.
Business communities have welcomed the formation of the joint committee and expressed hope that the talks will lead to the reopening of Torkham and other border crossings, thereby restoring bilateral trade.
