The Ministry of Commerce in Pakistan sent a delegation to Kabul to meet with Afghan counterparts in an attempt to improve trade relations between the two countries. Tensions have recently escalated due to cross-border militant attacks, including airstrikes by Pakistan’s military against suspected hideouts of the Pakistani Taliban inside Afghanistan. This exchange led to Afghan forces returning fire, resulting in eight casualties. The visit by senior bureaucrat Mohammad Khurram is seen as a step towards easing these tensions, with the goal of promoting trade and enhancing people-to-people ties.
The invitation for the Pakistani delegation to Kabul came from Afghan Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi, indicating a willingness on the Afghan side to engage in discussions to improve relations. The visit is also aimed at addressing the strained ties between the two countries, which have been impacted by Afghanistan’s support for the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP. Despite being a separate organization, the TTP is an ally of the Afghan Taliban, which rose to power in Afghanistan in 2021 as the U.S. and NATO troops were pulling out of the country.
The Afghan Taliban have stated that they do not allow the TTP to use Afghan soil to launch attacks in Pakistan, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining stability in the region. However, tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to affect trade, particularly due to the closure of key border crossings such as Torkham and Chaman. This hinders the movement of goods between the two countries and impacts trade routes to Central Asian countries. The Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry director, Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, highlighted the potential for increased trade between the two countries, currently standing at $1.4 billion but with the capacity to reach $5 billion through cooperation.
One of the challenges in trade relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan is the requirement for Afghan truck drivers to obtain a visa before entering Pakistan, a rule that is set to expire on March 31. Addressing such logistical barriers could pave the way for smoother trade operations and enhanced economic cooperation between the two countries. The efforts to improve trade relations come at a crucial time when both Pakistan and Afghanistan are looking to strengthen economic ties and overcome obstacles that have hindered trade in the past. By facilitating dialogue and cooperation, both nations aim to create a more conducive environment for trade and economic growth in the region.
