In a major step towards de-escalation and economic revival, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to form a high-level joint committee to conduct formal negotiations at the critical Torkham border crossing. This development signals a mutual desire to overcome recent tensions and restore vital trade links between the two neighboring nations.
Composition and Leadership of the Joint Committee
The newly formed committee will consist of 13 members in total, with six representatives from Pakistan and seven from Afghanistan. The Pakistani delegation will be spearheaded by Syed Jawad Hussain Kazmi, who serves as an Adviser to the President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). Leading the Afghan side will be Mohammad Wali Amini.
Kazmi, while addressing the media, outlined the core objectives of the upcoming talks. He stated that the primary goals are the immediate reopening of all Pak-Afghan trade routes, the elimination of hurdles in border management, and guaranteeing the uninterrupted flow of bilateral trade. He emphasized that the committee plans to draft a comprehensive and actionable roadmap to deliver a permanent solution to the problems plaguing traders and citizens on both sides.
Empowered Delegations and Member Roster
Expressing confidence in the process, Kazmi highlighted that the Government of Pakistan has granted the committee full decision-making powers to ensure the negotiations are substantive and yield concrete results. The optimism stems from the direct involvement of key business leaders from both countries.
The Pakistani committee includes prominent chamber presidents from regions most affected by border trade:
- Sardar Muhammad Ayub Maryani (President, Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
- Haji Muhammad Yousaf Afridi (President, Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
- Haji Qadeerullah Wazir (President, Waziristan Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
- Shireen Khan Afridi (Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
- Engineer Durr Khan Achakzai (former FPCCI president)
The Afghan delegation is equally robust, comprising leaders from major chambers across Afghanistan:
- Mohammad Wali Amini (Head of Committee, Ghazni Chamber of Commerce)
- Inayatullah Sadiqzai (Nangarhar Chamber)
- Meerajan Sulaiman Khail (Herat Chamber)
- Khan Jan Alokozai (Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce)
- Haji Masood Rahat (Kandahar Chamber)
- Haji Hamayoon Khawaja Zada (Kabul Chamber)
- Mohammad Suleman Bin Shah (Khost Chamber of Commerce)
Background and Business Community Reaction
This diplomatic move comes in the wake of a prolonged closure that has severely impacted cross-border commerce. Since October 12, all trade crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been shut for all movement due to heightened tensions. This closure has inflicted significant financial losses on traders and business entities operating on both sides of the border.
The formation of this joint committee has been welcomed by business communities in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They have expressed strong hope that the negotiations will lead to the swift reopening of the Torkham border and other key crossings, paving the way for the restoration of bilateral trade and economic stability in the region. The success of these talks is seen as crucial for reviving supply chains and alleviating the economic hardship faced by countless families dependent on cross-border trade.
