The third meeting of Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Committee (PAJC) was held at Karachi between January 07-12, 2017. The meeting was part of Beyond Boundaries II, a track I.5/II dialogue series undertaken by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) in partnership with the Afghan counterpart Women Peace and Security Organization (WPSO), to foster better understanding and cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Following points of convergence emerged during the meeting:
Peace and Security
It was recognized that the security situation between the two countries had continued to pose quite a challenge to the two countries. It was agreed that both sides needed to take steps in the interest of peace and stability.
Sports:
- There should be exchange visits of national cricket teams, under 19 cricket teams, football teams, and taekwondo.
- Pakistan and Afghanistan should explore cooperation opportunities for sports exchange programs, especially for girls. Universities on both sides may be approached in this regard.
Health:
- Urge the Pakistani government to simplify and facilitate the visa process for health emergency cases, especially at Torkham and Spin Boldak. The Pakistan Embassy/ consulates in Afghanistan may consider offering special counters for health visas.
- Police registration and the condition of a guarantor on emergency health visa may be waived or extended to 14 days.
Visa:
- Both governments may facilitate visa for enhanced people to people interaction.
Education:
- Academic scholarships for Afghan students for educational and vocational programs are recommended.
- Governments and civil society of both countries may encourage hosting the students for exchange programs and home stays, particularly for the 15-19 age group. Pakistan Youth Hostels accommodation can be used to host for such programs.
- Provincial governments in Pakistan may consider offering academic scholarships for Afghan students, including a 30% quota for female applicants.
Arts and Culture:
- Scholarships for artists may be considered.
- Urge both governments/ civil society to facilitate exhibitions/ expos of famous trade brands.
- Encourage cultural and social programs on both sides. Pakistani institutes like National College of Arts (NCA) and National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) may be involved to explore the possibility of exchange programs.
- Karachi Arts Council (KAC) offered to host 3-4 Afghan artists to perform and receive 2-week training at the KAC academy. The focal person for the purpose will be Mr. Asjad Bokhari for KAC and Ms. Asila Wardak for Women Peace and Security Organization (WPSO), Afghanistan.
Trade and Transit:
- Called upon both governments to expedite convening of meetings of Joint Economic Commission (JEC) and Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Coordinating Authority (APTTCA).
- As agreed between the two governments at the fifth APTTCA meeting, the Afghan government may forward the revised draft Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) to the government of Pakistan for finalization.
- Both governments may help in creating an enabling environment for traders from both sides to promote bilateral trade.
- We appreciate the work of Pakistan Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) in the promotion of bilateral trade between the two countries.
- The Interaction between the chambers of both countries needs to be increased and Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) may hold the ECO Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ECO-CCI) meeting in Kabul this year, as already agreed.