Pakistan and Afghanistan Enter New Era of Trade with China’s Support for CPEC Extension

A new chapter in **Pakistan-Afghanistan relations** has begun, as both countries, with the help of **China**, have agreed to boost mutual trade and extend the **China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)** to Afghanistan. This diplomatic breakthrough has led to improved political ties and significant growth in border trade activities.

**Trade Developments and Border Improvements**
Following the agreement, **Afghan transit trade** and other freight vehicles are crossing the border into Afghanistan without major hindrances. Pakistani authorities have implemented new measures at key border posts, such as **Torkham** and other crossing points, to facilitate smoother trade.

According to government sources, **freight vehicles** are now moving freely between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and drivers are being granted special permits to ensure smooth and unhindered transit.

**Diplomatic Efforts and Positive Impact**
Experts monitoring **Pak-Afghan relations** highlight the efforts of **Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq Khan**, and **Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar**’s recent visit, which has restored confidence between the two nations. **China’s involvement** has been pivotal in expanding trade ties and assisting both countries in achieving a common goal of regional trade expansion.

The three countries have agreed to enhance trade and provide access to **Central Asian States** by expanding the **CPEC route** into Afghanistan.

**Torkham: A Hub of New Trade Activity**
Trade at the **Torkham border**, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has witnessed notable improvements. **Government officials** report that obstacles to freight movement have been removed, resulting in an increase in daily trade. Over **300 freight vehicles** now cross into Afghanistan each day, and a similar number return to Pakistan. These include **Afghan Transit Trade containers**, **imports**, and **empty vehicles**.

On one record day, a total of **369 vehicles** crossed into Afghanistan, which included 34 Afghan Transit Trade containers, 288 imports, and 13 other items, while 164 empty vehicles returned to Pakistan. This sharp increase in trade reflects the success of the diplomatic efforts.

**New Border Opening in Kurram District**
In a further move to facilitate trade, the **Kurram district** in **FATA** (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) has witnessed the reopening of the **Kharlachi border** for trade. Additionally, the **Pak-Afghan Friendship Hospital** has been inaugurated, providing advanced medical services such as laboratory tests, pharmacy, blood pressure monitoring, sugar, and cardiac diagnostics. This facility is crucial for local residents on both sides of the border, offering essential healthcare.

**Tripartite Agreement to Increase Trade by Threefold**
In recent discussions in **Kabul**, Afghan Foreign Minister **Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi** met with **China’s Special Representative, Yu Xiaoyong**, and **Pakistan’s Special Representative Mohammad Sadiq** to agree on extending **CPEC** into Afghanistan and increasing trade by **threefold**. The trilateral conference, held in **China**, also agreed on creating new trade routes through **seven districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa** and establishing new corridors in Afghanistan.

During **Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s recent visit**, further discussions took place about extending trade routes from **Pakistan** to **Tajikistan** and other **Central Asian countries**.

**A New Era for Pak-Afghan Trade**
**Senior journalist Shihab Yousafzai**, a keen observer of Afghan affairs, believes that **Pakistan and Afghanistan** are entering a new era of trade. He pointed out that the **Afghan government** is now more serious about trade and that **Pakistan** is easing visa policies and border management, offering greater facilities to Afghan citizens.

He further explained that Afghanistan now understands the **economic benefits** of trading with **Pakistan**, given that direct trade with **India** remains impractical for the time being.

**Trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan**
Pakistan plays a significant role as a trading partner for Afghanistan, exporting **cement, steel, pharmaceuticals, vegetables, sugar**, and other essential goods. In return, Pakistan imports **fruits, vegetables**, and **dried fruits** from Afghanistan, forming a mutually beneficial trade relationship.

This evolving trade partnership between **Pakistan, Afghanistan**, and **China** signals a shift toward regional cooperation, with the potential for enhancing connectivity and boosting economic growth in Central Asia.