A joint delegation from Pakistan and Afghanistan private sector met under the aegis of Beyond Boundaries- A CRSS led project to discuss difficulties arising out of the abrupt closure of Pakistan-Afghanistan border on February 17, 2017. The meeting took note with grave concern that the border has been closed for 5 times during the short span of approximately 8 months since June 2016.
The group members comprise of representatives from the Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry (both chapters), private sector of Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI), members from Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI).
Members unanimously reiterated the significance of national sanctity and security and supported all measures that respective Governments may take to ensure the same.
At the outset, it was decided to constitute a 6 member committee, comprising 3 members each from the private sector and think tanks of both countries, to deal with the respective Governments on pertinent matters as in the instant case matter of closure of borders.
However, the same may not be continued at the beset of hurting the economic and social ties across the border through measures such as abrupt closure of the border for an indefinite period resulting in massive monetary losses and trust deficit.
Keeping in view this situation, the forum urged both Governments:
- To immediately open the border for the clearance of stranded cargo at Torkham and Spin Boldak to clear the cargo from Karachi port.
- To consult the joint committee, that should act as an advisory mechanism, for advice before taking extreme measures such as closure of borders or revision of economic policies in general. The committee should also be taken into confidence before taking such measures that may hamper the overall business ties.
- To urge both Governments to honor their commitments on bilateral and transit agreement.
- To urge the Ministry of Commerce for a waiver of any applicable port charges (detention / demurrage) applied to Afghan consignments / containers accruing from the closure of the border to limit the monetary losses of the business community.
This committee would act as economic and confidence building catalyst to ensure further enhancement of bilateral trade, rejuvenate regional linkages, and promote joint investments.
The following businessmen participated in this meeting:
ACCI:
- Mukhlis Ahmad Younas, President Tawsif Company Ltd
- Gulab Khan, President Gulab Tahir Ltd.
- Khalid Stanikzai, CEO, Royal Standard Company
- Mohammad Mustafa Babarkarkhil, Vice President Imran Subhan Osmani Ltd
PAJCCI:
- Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, President and Chairman
- Ahmad Shah Yarzada, Director Afghan Chapter
- Faiza, Executive Director/Secretary General
- Junaid Esmail Makda, Director Finance
FPCCI:
- Aamer Ata Bajwa, Senior Vice President
- Mirza Ishtiaq Baig, Vice President
- Ahmed Chinoy, Member