LANDI KOTAL (MNN); A major step toward restoring Pakistan-Afghanistan trade links has been taken as leading business figures from both countries held a virtual meeting and reached consensus on practical measures to revive bilateral commerce.
According to reports from Landi Kotal and Khyber, the Zoom meeting was led by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh and senior businessman SM Tanveer on the Pakistani side. The Afghan delegation was headed by Syed Karim Hashmi, patron-in-chief of the Afghan Chamber of Commerce.
During the discussions, both sides agreed to establish a 12-member joint committee, with equal representation from Pakistan and Afghanistan. The committee will comprise six members from each country and will serve as a key forum to address trade-related issues.
It was decided that the committee’s first meeting would be held on January 6 at the Torkham border crossing. The meeting will focus on reopening closed trade routes and resuming normal commercial activities between the two neighbouring countries.
Pakistan nominated Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi as the head of the joint committee. SM Tanveer said the committee would convene meetings in different cities and play an important role in promoting bilateral trade and strengthening economic ties.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said that traders from both countries were acting as a bridge to bring Pakistan and Afghanistan closer through cooperation and dialogue. He expressed optimism that business-to-business engagement could help overcome political and administrative hurdles.
Business leaders from both sides hoped that the committee’s efforts would lead to the removal of trade barriers at border crossings and facilitate smoother and more efficient trade operations in the future.
