Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL
Representatives of border chambers of commerce from across Pakistan have called for the immediate reopening of Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing points, describing the restoration of cross-border trade as essential for economic recovery and regional stability.
The demand was made during a meeting held at the Mohsin Hall of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Peshawar, under the leadership of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh and Patron-in-Chief Syed Muhammad Tanveer.
The meeting discussed the reopening of border crossings, promotion of bilateral trade with Afghanistan and the economic challenges facing the merged tribal districts.
Addressing the participants, South Waziristan Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Saif-ur-Rehman urged the government to reopen all Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossings, particularly Angoor Adda, Ghulam Khan, Kharlachi, Torkham, Chaman and Badini.
He said Pakistan’s security, sovereignty and national interests remained paramount, but stressed that restoring border trade, creating employment opportunities and addressing the hardships faced by border communities were equally important while taking national security considerations into account.
Saif-ur-Rehman said the prolonged closure of border crossings had severely affected the economy of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially the merged tribal districts, leaving thousands of traders, transporters, labourers and families dependent on cross-border commerce facing financial difficulties.
He emphasized the need for all provincial chambers to adopt a united stance to effectively convey the concerns of traders and the business community to the relevant authorities.
The presidents of provincial chambers unanimously endorsed the demand and pledged to continue their joint efforts for the early reopening of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossings.
On the occasion, FPCCI Patron-in-Chief Tanveer informed participants that a joint meeting of representatives of all border chambers with Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had been scheduled for July 30 in Islamabad to present their proposals regarding the reopening of border crossings, promotion of cross-border trade and resolution of issues faced by traders.
The meeting concluded with a commitment by all border chambers to continue coordinated efforts for the restoration of border trade, strengthening the regional economy and safeguarding the rights of traders and residents of the merged tribal districts.
