Today, a Pakistani delegate embarks on a pivotal two-day journey to Afghanistan for trade discussions, announced Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zehra Baloch. “Commerce Secretary Khurrum Agha’s mission focuses on trade,” she stated on X, highlighting Pakistan’s dedication to fostering trade and interpersonal connections with Afghanistan.
This visit emerges amidst tensions over terrorist groups using Afghan territory for attacks in Pakistan. Recent actions include a Pakistan-led counter-terrorism operation in Afghanistan, prompted by an assault on Pakistani forces in North Waziristan, resulting in seven martyrs.
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Pakistan has voiced concerns to Afghanistan’s interim government about terror groups like the TTP operating from their soil. These groups threaten Pakistan’s security by launching attacks from Afghanistan.
In response to these challenges, Pakistan tightened the Afghan Transit Trade (ATT) conditions last October. New measures include scanning 25% of consignments and examining at least 10% based on the Risk Management System (RMS). Additionally, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) now requires bank guarantees matching the duties and taxes for Afghanistan-bound goods, ensuring they reach their intended destination.
