Pakistani, Afghan traders hold talks to resume suspended bilateral trade

Pakistani and Afghan traders have initiated formal negotiations with a special focus on restoring bilateral trade, as part of efforts to ease months-long tensions and ensure continuity of cross-border commerce.

The meeting, held via video link, was jointly organised by the Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI). According to a statement issued by the Khyber Chamber, authorities on both sides had formally allowed the business community to engage in dialogue, a move welcomed by participants as a positive step towards regional stability and trade continuity.

The Pakistani side was led by Patron-in-Chief of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), SM Tanveer, while the Afghan delegation was headed by ACCI Chairman Syed Karim Hashmi.

Participants agreed that negotiations would continue and the concerns and demands of traders of both countries would be conveyed to the relevant authorities. It was also decided that a joint committee would be formed to work towards the restoration and uninterrupted flow of trade.

Trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been completely suspended since October and borders have been closed. Traders noted that the current shutdown appeared more severe due to serious disagreements between the two sides and a lack of flexibility at the governmental level, causing growing concern within the business communities.

Pakistani participants reiterated their position saying that Afghan territory should not be used for anti-Pakistan activities. Trader leaders assured that this stance would be effectively communicated to the authorities in Islamabad.

In response Afghan trader leaders emphasised that their authorities’ single-point agenda was to completely separate trade from politics and ensure that trade routes remain open under all circumstances to promote economic stability in both the countries. They stressed that economic cooperation should not be affected by any sort of tensions and that trade policies must remain consistent and predictable.

Ensuring the uninterrupted flow of goods, they said, is essential not only for sustaining trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan but also for promoting broader economic stability in the region. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to convene another Zoom session in coming days, through mutual consultation, to review progress and assess practical steps towards restoring trade.

Participants from both countries praised the role of the FPCCI and the Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industry for facilitating dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to place the agreed points before their respective authorities ahead of the next round of talks.