Traders raise concerns over border closures

Commerce minister says border decisions beyond ministry's mandate

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Friday held a high-level consultative meeting with leaders, traders and community representatives from Chaman District, including members of the Chaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to discuss persistent issues affecting cross-border trade at the Pak-Afghan border.

According to an official statement, the meeting primarily focused on the challenges arising from the frequent and prolonged closures of the Chaman border crossing, which stakeholders said have caused serious disruption to economic activity in the region. Participants highlighted the severe socio-economic consequences of these closures, pointing to sustained financial losses for traders, repeated disruptions in the export of perishable goods, rising unemployment and growing hardship for the local population, much of which depends heavily on cross-border trade for its livelihood.

As per the statement, Kamal Khan listened to the concerns raised during the meeting and assured participants that the Ministry of Commerce would extend full support in addressing trade-related issues and facilitating legitimate cross-border commerce. He emphasised that the difficulties faced by Chaman's trading community were a priority matter for the government and required sustained attention.

The minister clarified, however, that while the Ministry of Commerce would continue to advocate improved trade facilitation and smoother cross-border movement, decisions regarding the opening or closure of the border are taken collectively by the government on the basis of broader national considerations. He noted that such decisions do not fall under the sole mandate of the Ministry of Commerce.