PESHAWAR: Cross-border trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan was back to normal, officials in both countries said after Islamabad suspended new visa rule. Commercial traffic ground to halt Tuesday when Pakistan began requiring crew of commercial vehicles to have passports and visas to enter and Afghanistan responded by refusing to allow any trucks to pass.

 “Yesterday, when Pakistan enforced its new rules, Afghan side responded by suspending trade in protest,” Pakistan Customs official told AFP.

 “Last night, officials from Ministry of Commerce held meeting with Afghan officials, reaching an agreement to grant another two-week extension for Afghan drivers.” Border trade halts after Pakistan imposes restrictions on Afghans. Official said Pakistan had already twice deferred implementing new rule.

 Media office of Governor of Nangarhar province in Afghanistan confirmed that cross-border trade had resumed. “Afghan and Pakistani officials held talks and it was assured that this problem will be solved permanently,” it said in post on X.

 Landlocked Afghanistan is heavily dependent on its neighbour for imports-both locally made goods and foreign items sourced through Pakistan’s Karachi Port.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 23 2023

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