Pak-Afghan border reopening: PAJCCI chairman lauds decision, urges stability

Motiwala believes demurrages, loss of time adversely affected bilateral trade

KARACHI: Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) Chairman Zubair Motiwala on Monday welcomed the government’s decision to open the border in order to resume bilateral trade activities between the two countries.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ordered the immediate reopening of the Pak-Afghan border crossings, whilst expressing hope that the Afghanistan government will take necessary actions to eliminate the reasons for which the step was taken.

The border was closed last month after a series of attacks, claimed by the Taliban, killed at least 100 people in Pakistan.

However, the PAJCCI chairman said that the heavy demurrages, loss of time, and uncertainty negatively affected bilateral trade. He advised both countries to focus on stability from now on.

“Both governments should follow up on the matter and develop measures that can ensure long term economic stability in the region,” said Motiwala. Nevertheless, he extended his gratitude to all government officials on behalf of the stakeholders from across the border. He also asked for considerations for those who had incurred significant losses due to the closure.

“We request for a waiver of any applicable port and shipping charges (detention or demurrage) applied to the Afghan consignments accruing from the closure of the border to limit the monetary losses of the business community.”

Earlier, PAJCCI officials met with Pakistani government officials and urged them to reopen the border. The delegation had visited Federal Minister for Trade and Commerce Khurram Dastagir Khan.

The members of the delegation unanimously reiterated the significance of national sanctity and security and supported all measures that respective governments may take to ensure the same. However, they also said the practice of such abrupt measures should not be continued.

Meanwhile, it was also decided that a six-member committee would be constituted, comprising three members from each country’s private sector and think tanks, to deal with the respective governments on important matters like the closure of border.

The joint committee would be consulted for advice before taking extreme measures such as closure of borders or a general revision of economic policies.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 21^st, 2017.

Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.