KARACHI: Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) Zubair Motiwala and President PAJCCI Junaid Makda appreciated the efforts of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their commitment to promoting peace, regional stability, and constructive diplomacy during a period of heightened tensions in the region.
President PAJCCI, Junaid Esmail Makda, stated that at a time when uncertainty arising from the Iran-United States conflict has created concerns across the region, Pakistan’s leadership hasconsistently emphasized dialogue, restraint and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
He noted that peace and stability remain essential prerequisites for economic growth, trade development, and regional connectivity.
“The business community strongly believes that diplomacy and engagement are the most effective tools for safeguarding economic interests and ensuring prosperity for future generations,” said Makda.
The PAJCCI President further welcomed the recent decision facilitating the movement of empty containers from Afghanistan, describing it as a positive confidence-building measure and a hopeful sign for the revival of trade activities between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
He expressed optimism that the movement of loaded containers and regular commercial cargo would soon resume, restoring trade and transit operations across the border.
Makda emphasized that the Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship should also be developed into another success story, as both countries share deep economic, cultural, and historical ties, and
enhanced cooperation can significantly contribute to regional peace and prosperity.
Senior Vice President PAJCCI, Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, stated that both Pakistan and Afghanistan have suffered irreparable economic losses during the past eight months due to disruptions in bilateral trade and transit activities.
Thousands of traders, transporters, workers, and businesses on both sides of the border have been adversely affected.
“We must adopt practical and constructive measures that can help restart bilateral trade and transit activities.
Economic engagement and commercial cooperation can play a vital role in strengthening confidence and fostering long-term stability in the region,” said Sarhadi.
Vice President Pervez Lala further added that being signatories of SAARC and TIR conventions,trade should be fully restored in line with international commitments to ensure smooth regional transit and connectivity.
PAJCCI also appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Commerce,noting that at critical times, utmost facilitation was extended to traders,particularly regarding permission for re-export during border closures.
Furthermore, PAJCCI urged the Ministry of Commerce that following the lifting of Iran sanctions, traders may be allowed to resume bilateral trade with Iran.
This new route would provide additional opportunities, strengthen regional trade links, and bring prosperity to the wider region while further flourishing business activities.
PAJCCI reiterated its commitment to serving as a bridge between the business communities of Pakistan and Afghanistan and expressed hope that the current positive developments would lead to the restoration of trade flows,smoother transit operations,and stronger regional economic integration.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Comments