Islamabad – April 17, 2025: Pakistan and Afghanistan have resumed high-level trade talks to ease transit restrictions and boost bilateral commerce. The move comes amid a broader diplomatic reset following tensions along the Pak Afghan border and Pakistan’s ongoing repatriation drive of undocumented Afghan refugees.
A delegation from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), led by Commerce and Industry Minister Nooruddin Azizi, arrived in Islamabad. The team is engaging Pakistani counterparts to resolve long-standing trade hurdles and revive economic cooperation.
Officials confirm the talks aim to address transportation bottlenecks, tariff issues, and trader grievances. “Both sides are looking to rebuild business confidence,” a senior official told. Discussions will also cover mechanisms to increase trade volume and modernize trade routes.
The 7th session of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Economic Committee (JCC) was held in Kabul after a 15-month hiatus. Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq Khan, led the delegation. He met senior Afghan officials, including the deputy defence minister.
Commenting on the recent momentum, Dr. Faizullah Jan, chairman of the Journalism Department at the University of Peshawar, said: “The renewed diplomatic push, especially Ambassador Sadiq’s visit, is a hopeful sign for regional cooperation.”
Commerce Minister Azizi will meet Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal to discuss a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), tariff reductions, updated transit arrangements, and trader facilitation at key crossing points. Azizi and his delegation will also attend the three-day Health, Engineering & Minerals Show (HEMS) at the Lahore Expo Centre from April 17 to 19. Sources confirm that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar is planning a visit to Kabul to advance tariff reforms and finalize PTA frameworks. These high-level engagements demonstrate both countries’ commitment to reviving economic interdependence and resolving bilateral trade challenges.
Afghanistan issued an official statement confirming that Ministers Nooruddin Azizi and Jam Kamal Khan held a high-level meeting. They discussed trade, transit cooperation, key challenges, and practical solutions to enhance economic ties. Officials from both countries also planned follow-up meetings between technical teams to resolve existing hurdles and boost bilateral trade.
Moreover, The Afghan delegation expressed hope for progress benefiting traders and both countries. Deputy Minister Sheikh Kalimurahman Fani also addressed refugee concerns during the session. He praised Pakistan’s generosity in hosting Afghan refugees for over 40 years. Fani urged Pakistan to stop forced deportations and protect historic goodwill.
After the meeting, Afghan Commerce Minister Haji Nooruddin Azizi met Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss trade and transit cooperation.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to boost regional connectivity and remove barriers hampering bilateral and transit trade between the two countries. They emphasized maintaining high-level political dialogue to strengthen economic ties and resolve outstanding trade issues through diplomacy and mutual understanding.
