13-member body to hold formal talks aimed at easing tensions and restoring trade
Torkham Gate in Pakistan. PHOTO: PR
In a significant development aimed at reducing tensions and reviving trade activities, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to set up a 13-member joint committee to hold formal negotiations at the Torkham border.
According to sources, the joint committee includes six Pakistani members and seven Afghan members. 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.
Addressing the media, Kazmi said the main objective of the talks was immediate reopening of Pak-Afghan trade routes, 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 over positive outcomes of the talks, noting that the government of Pakistan has granted the committee full decision-making powers 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 includes Mohammad Wali Amini (Ghazni Chamber of Commerce Committee Head), Inayatullah Sadiqzai (Nangarhar Chamber), Meerajan Sulaiman Khail (Herat Chamber), Khan Jan Alokozai (Afghan Chamber of Commerce), Haji Masood Rahat (Kandahar Chamber), Haji Hamayoon Khawaja Zada (Kabul Chamber) and Mohammad Suleman Bin Shah (Khost Chamber of Commerce).
It is important to note that all trade crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan have remained closed to all movement since October 12 due to heightened tensions, leading to heavy financial losses for traders on both sides.
The business community welcomed the formation of the joint committee, expressing hope that the talks will lead to the reopening of Torkham and other border crossings, thereby restoring bilateral trade.
