Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Wednesday said Afghanistan’s plans to reduce transit trade and ban imports from Pakistan can only “benefit” Pakistan and urged Kabul to expedite the implementation of the directive.
Earlier, Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar urged Afghan traders to find alternative routes instead of Pakistan. “The Pakistani route has not only harmed our traders but has also caused difficulties for the markets and the people,” he claimed, adding they should secure alternative routes so exports and imports would not be affected.
Baradar said the Afghan Taliban regime had taken this decision due to the closure of borders by Pakistan, adding Islamabad must provide guarantees the borders would not be shut regardless of peace or conflict between the neighbors. “If Pakistan wants the routes to be opened, it will do so with firm and credible guarantees that they will not be closed again under any circumstances or conditions,” he said.
“Even before this, when it was time for Pakistani goods to be produced, the routes were open, but when it was the season for our fresh fruits, Pakistan used to close the routes under various pretexts, even causing the fruits to spoil,” he alleged. “We are telling you clearly that if traders export or import goods from Pakistan after this, the Islamic Emirate will not be responsible for their problems and their voices will not be heard,” he added.
Baradar added that those who import medicines from Pakistan should start importing from other countries as soon as possible. “If someone has made purchases and contracts in Pakistan, they are given three months to clear all their accounts there and close them,” he said, warning that the Finance Ministry would not permit any import of medicines from Pakistan after this time.
Reacting to the announcement in an appearance on Geo News, Defense Minister Asif said this was Afghanistan’s internal matter and they were free to choose the cheapest options for their commodities. He further said it would have no impact on Islamabad. “I think it will be a relief for us because the amount of goods that are booked for Karachi Port from Afghanistan, ultimately, all end up in Pakistani markets,” he said, adding these supplies disrupted Pakistan’s local markets. “When their trade traffic reduces here, then terrorism that penetrates Pakistan in the guise of trade and other forms will also reduce, and border management will improve for us,” he said.
“I think this is a blessing in disguise for us that they’re seeking alternate routes and Pakistan will only benefit from this, not lose out in any way,” he added.
Ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan remain restive, with all border crossing closed, following clashes between their armed forces last month, incited by the Afghan Taliban, in association with their affiliated militants, attacking multiple Pakistan armed forces’ posts along the border.