Business leaders from across Pakistan called for the immediate restoration of key Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossings, warning that prolonged closures have severely damaged regional trade, employment, and the economy of former tribal districts.
PESHAWAR: Business leaders from across Pakistan have jointly called for the immediate reopening of major Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossings, describing the move as essential for reviving regional trade, protecting livelihoods, and strengthening the economy of the country’s former tribal districts.
The demand was made during a high-level meeting held at Mohsin Hall of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Peshawar. The session was chaired by Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh and Patron-in-Chief S.M. Tanveer. Participants discussed the restoration of border crossings, promotion of cross-border trade, and economic challenges facing businesses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s former merged tribal districts.
Addressing the meeting, South Waziristan Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Saif-ur-Rehman urged the government to immediately reopen all Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossings, including Angoor Adda, Ghulam Khan, Kharlachi, Torkham, Chaman, and Badini.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s national security, sovereignty, and national interests remain the highest priority. However, he said that restoring border trade while ensuring security measures is equally important to create employment opportunities and ease the hardships faced by local communities.
Saif-ur-Rehman noted that the prolonged closure of border crossings has dealt a serious blow to the economy of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly the former tribal districts. Thousands of traders, transporters, laborers, and families dependent on cross-border commerce have suffered significant financial losses.
He also stressed the need for all provincial chambers of commerce to maintain a united stance so that the concerns of traders and border communities can be effectively conveyed to the relevant authorities.
Representatives of provincial chambers unanimously supported the demand and pledged to continue their joint efforts for the early reopening of Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossings.
During the meeting, FPCCI Patron-in-Chief S.M. Tanveer informed participants that a joint meeting with Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has been scheduled in Islamabad on July 30. Representatives of all relevant border chambers are expected to present proposals for restoring border trade and resolving the issues affecting traders.
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