A 13-member body will hold formal negotiations 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 agreed to set up a 13-member joint committee to hold formal negotiations on 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, Advisor 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.
Speaking to the media, Kazmi said that the main objective of the talks is immediate reopening of trade routes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, removal of obstacles in border management and ensuring 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 general public.
Kazmi expressed optimism about the positive outcomes of the talks, noting that the Pakistan government has given the committee full decision-making authority to ensure meaningful negotiations.
The Pakistani committee includes Sardar Muhammad Ayub Maryani (president of Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Haji Muhammad Yousaf Afridi (president of Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Haji Qadeerullah Wazir (president of Waziristan Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Shireen Khan Afridi (Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and engineer Durr Khan Achakzai (former president of the FPCCI).
The Afghan delegation consists of Mohammad Wali Amini (Committee Head, 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 Khawaja Zada (Kabul Chamber) and Mohammad Suleman Bin Shah (Khost Chamber). trade).
It is important to note that all trade crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained closed to all movement since October 12 due to rising tensions, resulting in huge financial losses for 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.
