A delegation of Pakistan- Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) has landed in Islamabad aimed at defusing tensions between the two countries and restoring trade suspended after closure of borders on February 16, 2017 in the aftermath of a wave of terror attacks in Pakistan.
On Monday, the delegation led by PAJCCI Chairman Zubair Motiwala held meetings with Afghanistan ambassador to Pakistan Omar Zakhilwal and apprised him of the difficulties being faced by the business community of the two countries. Afghan delegation comprised of six people including journalists. The delegation also met Pakistan's National Security Advisor (NSA) Lieutenant General Nasser Khan Janjua (retired) and apprised him of the problems facing the business community.
The delegation is also expected to meeting Commerce Minister, Engineer Khurram Dastgir and former Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao on Tuesday (today) to seek his help in reopening of the borders. The Commerce Minister maintains that both trading points Torkham and Chaman bordering Afghanistan should remain open with enhanced vetting and security procedures in view of the current security situation.
There is an impression in Islamabad that Afghanistan's policies, relating to foreign policy and trade are being controlled by New Delhi through its Kabul-based Advisors. According to the PAJCCI Pakistan-Afghanistan trade declined during the last 18 months because of rising bilateral tension; trade between the two countries has declined by about 40 per cent in recent years. Currently, hundreds of trucks loaded with fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry and other edible items are stranded on the borders. Additionally, heavy demurrages, waiting time, uncertainty and diversion of both bilateral and transit trade through other channels is fuelling tensions which may lead to long-run instability in relations.
The PAJCCI is a duly recognised and licensed entity by both Afghanistan and Pakistan. During a short span of time, the PAJCCI has strived to facilitate peace prospects and strengthen economic and trade ties between the two neighbouring nations along with extending ties with CIS countries to attain regional integration. According to Zubair Motiwala, traders on both sides of the border are facing immense losses. Recent figures show a rise in Afghanistan's trade with Iran and India and a corresponding decline in business with Pakistan.
"PAJCCI stands by all the relevant measures taken in this current security scenario with respect to national sanctity, however, closure of borders for such a long duration causes permanent, long-term damage to bilateral and transit trade," he said in a letter to the federal government.
The delegation argues that the two governments should distinguish between business and trade ties from political tensions, and establish strong security measures that are vital for stabilisation and sustainability of both the countries without compromising the sentiments of the business community across the border.
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