Peshawar: In a strong show of regional intent, Pakistani and Afghan leaders, diplomats, and business figures have renewed calls for mutual partnership to revive bilateral trade, improve people-to-people contact, and expand cooperation in education and health sectors. The seminar, hosted by the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) in Peshawar, emphasized healing mistrust and building bridges between the two neighboring nations.
Former Senator and Jamaat-e-Islami leader Sirajul Haq said Afghanistan’s resistance against imperial powers has always demonstrated its independence. He called for an strengthening Ties end to lingering suspicions and the start of practical steps toward shared prosperity. “Afghanistan and Pakistan must become partners in development, trade, and progress,” he said.
Siraj proposed extending the Peshawar-Torkham railway to Afghanistan and issuing special identification cards to Afghan nationals to allow easier, documented movement. He also asserted that both nations, connected by shared religion, culture, and geography, should act as allies rather than adversaries.
Trade Under Strain, But Hope Remains.
Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, Deputy Chairman of the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the severe drop in trade volume—from $2.5 billion to just $800 million—due to recent diplomatic tensions and policy constraints. “Despite setbacks, trade is beginning to recover,” he noted. He urged both governments to revise transit policies, reform visa processes, and improve border management to support truck drivers and business communities.
Afghan Consul General Hafiz Mohibullah also echoed this sentiment, stating that the foundation of Pakistan-Afghanistan relations lies in shared Islamic and cultural values. He criticized the United States for failing to invest in Afghan health and education during its 20-year presence and praised Pakistan for its continued support during tough times.
Call for Broader Dialogue.
Speakers agreed that stronger bilateral diplomacy must be complemented by academic, cultural, and civil society engagement. Senior journalist Mehmood Jan Babar and IRS Chairman Dr. Iqbal Khalil called for joint programs in education and health to build long-term trust.
Sirajul Haq concluded that Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey could jointly lead the Muslim world toward a stable and self-reliant future. He warned against reviving outdated narratives like “Pashtunistan,” calling them distractions from the region’s true potential.
Ultimately, the seminar reinforced that only a sustained mutual partnership can transform shared history into shared success.
