During the two-day discussions held in Kabul, both Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached an agreement to separate trade from political considerations and prioritize the interests of their people.
In their negotiations, the delegations have affirmed their commitment to maintaining uninterrupted trade and transit relations, aiming to finalize the ‘Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Agreement’ within the next two months.
As part of this agreement, Pakistan will facilitate the transfer of goods from containers to regional containers at Karachi port, streamlining the trade process.
Furthermore, the delegations have agreed on a temporary free permit for truck movement, effective for one year starting from May 2024, as part of the preferential trade agreement between the two countries.
Additionally, plans have been made to initiate multi-modal air transit through Pak-Afghan airports within the next two months, allowing for the efficient movement of goods.
Pakistan has also pledged to waive the requirement of a bank guarantee for goods in transit from Afghanistan within a week, considering the former insurance as sufficient.
Both delegations have committed to addressing any remaining obstacles through mutual consultation, while also stressing the importance of refraining from border trade and enhancing banking relations.
According to Afghan spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, Pakistan has shown interest in purchasing coal at international prices.
The Pakistani delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Commerce Muhammad Khurram Agha, and the Afghan delegation, headed by Acting Minister of Commerce Nurud-din-Azizi, were involved in these discussions.
