Kabul, Islamabad urged to sort out trade issues

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Kabul and Islamabad should sort out their political and economic problems themselves instead of looking to others for solutions, says a senior Afghan diplomat.

Speaking at a seminar here on Wednesday, Afghan Consul General in Peshawar Hafiz Mohibullah blamed the US and NATO for failing to create a single institution in Afghanistan.

The US and its allies failed to take steps towards the economic betterment of the country despite their 20-year occupation of Afghanistan, he lamented.

But the Islamic Emirate had executed projects that could not be implemented by the occupation forces and their puppet government(s) in 20 years, he claimed.

The Islamic Emirate, controlling all parts of the country, had not yet formally recognised by the global fraternity, the diplomat regretted.

“Interestingly enough, they are still making various demands in the interim Taliban government,” the consul-general remarked

Mohibullah called for greater bilateral cooperation on promotion of trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan. “If they support each other, they will not be in need of looking towards others.”

While accusing the US and NATO of trying to create problems for them, he said the two countries would not allow them to interfere in their affairs.

Mutual cooperation would result in the development of both countries, agreed Dr Iqbal Khalil, chairman of the Institute of Regional Studies.

He asked Afghanistan and Pakistan to work together for overcoming their trade and economic challenges.

Dr Khalil hoped peace would be revived in Afghanistan and the Islamic Emirate would unveil a roadmap for robust trade relations with Pakistan.

Director Pak-Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ziaul Haq Sarhadi said the trade volume between Afghanistan and Pakistan during 2022-23 was $968 million, down from $2.5 billion in 2012.

mud