Dozens of experts and political activists at a conference in Peshawar have called for the immediate reopening of Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossings, stressing that trade should be kept separate from political and security tensions.
Participants said the prolonged closure of border routes has caused significant economic difficulties for people and traders on both sides. According to the speakers, restrictions on cross-border movement and trade have disrupted commercial activities and affected communities that depend heavily on bilateral trade for their livelihoods.
The participants emphasized that political disagreements and security concerns should not be allowed to completely halt economic and commercial activity between the two neighboring countries.
They called on the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to take immediate steps to restore normal movement and facilitate the transportation of goods across the border.
Speakers at the Peshawar conference said the closure of crossings over the past 11 months has inflicted heavy losses on traders, transporters and ordinary citizens in both countries. They warned that continued restrictions could further damage local economies and deepen difficulties for communities living near the border.
The conference participants also stressed the importance of dialogue and practical measures to address security concerns without unnecessarily disrupting legitimate trade.
They urged both sides to prioritize the interests of traders and border communities and work toward a sustainable mechanism that allows commercial activity to continue even during periods of political tension.