Afghan expectations
Another attempt is under way to resolve difficulties that beset the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan

PHOTO: AFP
There are reported to have been backchannel communications between all parties (VOA) and there are hopes that a resolution may be achieved, possibly within the week. It is said that ‘heightened security procedures’ will be put in place. Be that as it may the border closure has done nothing to prevent cross-border attacks and it may reasonably be assumed that those bent on doing harm in Pakistan are unlikely to use any of the formal or legal crossing-points. Any solution will be based around a separation between trade and security issues. Much of the trade between the two countries consists of perishables, and (unreliable) figures from traders groups put losses in the current dispute at anywhere between $40 million and $100 million. Whatever the truth a solution has to be found. Any outcome that is remotely positive has to be welcomed, and we listen for good news in a sector where good news is hard to come by.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 17th, 2017.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ