Pakistan-Afghanistan Trade to Resume; Kabul to Use Pakistani Ports Again, Says Defence Minister

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Defence Minister **Khawaja Asif** has announced that **trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan will soon resume**, with Afghanistan once again being allowed to use **Pakistani seaports** under the recently signed peace agreement between the two neighboring countries.

In an interview with **Al Jazeera Arabia**, Khawaja Asif described the **Pakistan-Afghanistan peace accord** as a “major breakthrough” for regional stability and the eradication of terrorism. He credited **Qatar and Türkiye** for their key role in mediating and facilitating the deal.

He revealed that the agreement aims to dismantle **terrorist networks operating in border regions** and reduce bilateral tensions. “Last week’s incidents of terrorism led to direct clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan,” Asif said, adding that both sides recognized that “lasting peace is impossible without the elimination of terrorism.”

A follow-up meeting to finalize the implementation framework will be held in **Istanbul next week**, he confirmed.

“The Afghan Defence Minister has also acknowledged that terrorism is the root cause of tensions between our countries, and a joint mechanism will be adopted to counter it,” Asif stated. He added that Qatar and Türkiye’s involvement serves as a **guarantee of the agreement’s success**.

Expressing optimism, the Defence Minister said the accord will help **normalize bilateral relations**, **reduce border tensions**, and **restore trade and transit systems** between the two nations.

He also confirmed that Afghanistan will once again be able to **utilize Pakistani ports for trade**, while **Afghan refugees holding legal visas and documents** will be allowed to stay in Pakistan. However, those **without valid papers will continue to be repatriated**.

Asif emphasized that cross-border movement must now occur under **formal international protocols** to prevent future misunderstandings or disputes.

“It’s too early to say we are completely satisfied,” he cautioned. “The coming weeks and months will show how effectively this agreement is implemented.”

Concluding, Khawaja Asif said, “Pakistan and Afghanistan have been neighbors for centuries—geography cannot be changed. We hope this agreement marks the beginning of a new era of **trust, peace, and development** in the region.”