Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) President Muhammad Ishaq held a meeting with Afghan Commercial Attaché in Peshawar, Waheedullah Himat and called for signing a bilateral agreement to enhance trade volume between the two neighbouring countries.

The meeting also stressed the need for taking proactive measures to remove hurdles in mutual trade between the two countries, besides discussing issues pertaining to transport at the border region.

Muhammad Ishaq and Afghan diplomats agreed that improvement in bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan was essential for stabilizing the economy of both countries.

Afghan diplomats apprised the SCCI president about the alleged illegal collection of heavy fines and taxes from the Torkham border to Punjab, the establishment of unregistered and unnecessary checkpoints, and harassment of Afghan transporters by Pakistani authorities concerned. 

The SCCI chief noted that the mutual trade volume between Pakistan and Afghanistan had dropped exponentially, which was not beneficial for the economy of both countries. 

He called for taking steps at the government level and framing a joint roadmap and strategy to remove all the hurdles hampering mutual trade. 

SCCI’s Senior Vice President Shahid Hussain speaking on the occasion stressed the need to promote mutual trade with Afghanistan and regional countries for bringing economic prosperity and development.

He asked the government to provide special incentives and facilities to traders for enhancing bilateral trade with Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries. He emphasized that all issues should be resolved under a joint strategy.

Earlier, the meeting decided to organize a joint meeting of Pakistan and Afghanistan traders under the aegis of the SCCI.

Transport Attaché, Afghan Consulate Peshawar Ismail Shinwari and Coordinator Dr Hamid were present in the meeting.

The meeting was also attended by Vice President Ejaz Khan Afridi, Director Pak-Afghan Joint Chambers of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI), Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, Chairman Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Standing Committee on Land Route Imtiaz Ali, traders, exporters and importers.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk