Agreement to keep Pak-Afghan trade separate from politics

Under the leadership of Acting Minister of Industry and Trade of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Alhaj Nuruddin Azizi and Deputy Minister of Trade of Pakistan Muhammad Khurram Agha, an agreement on bilateral trade has been signed.

In the two-day talks, it has been agreed to separate trade from politics and keep people’s interests in mind. The meeting emphasized on seamless trade and transit relations.

The delegations decided to finalize the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Agreement within two months. Under the agreement, Pakistan will facilitate the transfer of goods from containers to regional containers at Karachi port.

An agreement was reached between Pak-Afghan delegations regarding preferential trade. Pak-Afghan delegations also agreed on a temporary free permit for the movement of trucks for one year.

The Provisional Free Permit Agreement will come into effect from May 2024. An agreement was also reached to transfer goods in the form of multi-modal air transit through Pak-Afghan airports. Under the agreement, multi-modal air transit will be launched in the next two months.

Under the agreement, Pakistan will terminate the condition of bank guarantee in one week for goods in transit from Afghanistan. Insurance as per above shall be deemed sufficient.

According to the Pakistani delegation, steps will be taken to remove other obstacles through consultation. The delegations agreed to refrain from border trade, establish and develop banking relations.

Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate Zabihullah Mujahid said that Pakistan has expressed its willingness to buy coal at the international price.

The delegation of the Islamic Emirate was led by Acting Minister of Commerce Nuruddin Azizi. While the Pakistani delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Commerce Muhammad Khurram Agha.