KABUL: Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman has urged the Pakistan government to reopen all closed trade routes with Afghanistan and normalize economic relations between the two neighboring countries.
Speaking at a public gathering in Zhob, Naeem ur Rehman said that continued trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan is important for public welfare and Pakistan’s economic stability.
He criticized Islamabad’s current policies, saying the closure of trade routes has negatively affected the businesses and livelihoods of thousands of people.
Earlier, political leaders, traders, and transport union representatives in Torkham and Landi Kotal had also described the prolonged closure of border crossings as “economic destruction” and called for their immediate reopening.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has meanwhile worked on alternative trade routes following restrictions imposed by Pakistan.
Economic analysts say Islamabad has suffered significant economic losses as a result.
Pakistani religious leader calls for resumption of trade with Afghanistan
