DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Awami National Party (ANP) Central Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sardar Hussain Babak has said that the restoration of travel and trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan has become inevitable, urging traders and business circles.
ANP leader urged the business community, particularly in Punjab, to further strengthen their demand for the resumption of cross-border trade.
In a statement, Mr Babak said the ANP had consistently advocated cordial, brotherly and trust-based relations with all neighbouring countries, including Afghanistan.
He termed recent protests in Punjab calling for the reopening of the Pak-Afghan border as a political endorsement of the ANP’s long-standing stance.
“The demand emerging from Punjab for the reopening of borders is our political victory and a clear proof that the ANP’s policy reflects the aspirations of the people,” he said, adding that improved relations with neighbouring countries were the need of the hour.
Mr Babak expressed concern over the difficulties faced by thousands of Pakistani students currently in Afghanistan due to the closure of travel routes, warning that their educational future was at risk.
He urged both the provincial and federal governments to play an effective role in facilitating their return and ensuring continuity of their education.
He said the restoration of trade relations and reopening of routes with Afghanistan would not only be a positive development but also a significant step towards improving bilateral ties.
Prolonged border closures, he added, disproportionately affected ordinary citizens, traders and the business community, with adverse consequences for the economy.
He reiterated that traders and business circles in Punjab should continue to raise their demand for the restoration of Pak-Afghan trade in a more organised and effective manner.
