The Islamic Emirate’s delegation said its recent visit to Pakistan yielded positive results in addressing trade and transit challenges.

Nooruddin Azizi, acting minister of industry and commerce, said upon his return that during meetings with Pakistani officials, emphasis was placed on resolving trade issues and facilitating the issuance of business visas by Pakistan.

Azizi stated: “Our trade and transit issues have truly suffered and faced difficulties for years. We held discussions with Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce, and God willing, we’ve achieved some progress in transit and trade matters.”

This visit comes as Afghanistan-Pakistan trade relations have significantly declined in recent years due to multiple ongoing challenges.

Some economic experts view diplomatic dialogue as an effective means for resolving commercial disputes between Kabul and Islamabad.

Abdul Nasir Reshtia, an economic affairs expert, said: “Our trade with Pakistan has declined. Pakistan may have benefited in the short term, but in the long run, when they wish to export goods to Central Asia or import energy, they cannot do so without cooperation from Afghanistan.”

Mir Shakeeb Mir, another economic analyst, said: “To strengthen Afghanistan’s trade ties with regional countries, it is essential to address transit and trade problems through dialogue.”

Meanwhile, due to persistent trade issues with Pakistan, Afghan traders have continually urged the Islamic Emirate to create alternative markets to reduce dependency on Pakistan.