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PESHAWAR, Oct 21 (APP):Senior Vice President of the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI), Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, along with Director Farooq Ahmed and Coordinator Imtiaz Ahmed Ali, in a joint statement welcomed the Pak-Afghan peace talks and agreement held in Doha, the capital of Qatar.
They termed the agreement a significant step and milestone toward lasting peace between the two neighboring countries, especially in terms of mutual trade, economic relations, and regional stability.
They said that the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber and the business community desire friendly relations with Afghanistan and other neighboring countries.
They emphasized that cordial and long-lasting relations and peace are essential for promoting bilateral trade and exports, as well as for stabilizing the national economy and leading it toward sustainable development.
However, the officials of the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber made it clear that there would be no compromise on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan.
They further said that the business community fully supports the stance of the Government of Pakistan and security forces regarding the protection of regional integrity, peace, and stability. They said that Afghan soil must not, under any circumstances, be used against Pakistan and urged the Afghan interim government to take effective steps to eliminate all such bases and sanctuaries being used against Pakistan.
Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi expressed hope that the positive outcome of these talks would pave the way for the restoration of peace and the resumption of bilateral trade, which had been suspended due to tensions since October 12.
He added that this peace initiative is a highly encouraging and welcome development for both brotherly neighboring countries, as the economies, cultures, and geographies of Pakistan and Afghanistan are deeply interconnected.
Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, who is also the President of the Frontier Customs Agents Association (FCAA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stressed that peace and stability in border areas are essential for the prosperity of the region.
He also emphasized that broader measures to promote trade should be included in the negotiations, such as easing visa acquisition, simplifying trade procedures, and providing a business-friendly environment for traders and investors.
The historical, cultural, and economic ties between the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan are strong, and both nations desire peace, development, and mutual prosperity through trade and cooperation.
Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, who is also a leader of the All Pakistan Customs Agents Association (APCAA), reaffirmed his commitment that the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry would continue to support all efforts aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and promoting sustainable, secure, and smooth cross-border trade in the interest of traders and the business community of both countries.
He appreciated the sincere efforts of the government and security forces of Pakistan toward regional peace, stability, prosperity, and enhancing bilateral trade and exports with Afghanistan and regional countries.
However, he said politics from trade should be separated imperative for the economic stability, prosperity, and development of both neighboring nations.