Guests Speakers
1. Former Special Secretary at MoFA, Ms. Tasnim Aslam
2. Former Ambassador to Iran, Ms. Riffat MasoodNotes
• The main question our relation is that: Why can’t Pakistan and Afghanistan have a healthy competition? Currently, both countries are at loggerheads due to foreign interference and we are playing to that gallery.
• All neighbors would have issues, but when we are at such a stage as we are now, we have to look beyond our own immediate self, learn from history, admit mistakes, & not make the same mistakes again.
• We have common culture, cuisine, languages, currency (Pakistani rupee is acceptable as a currency in Afghanistan and all major banks operating there) as well as religion and with such strong links, we would be fools not to forge a partnership of friendship.
• The opportunities are endless for both countries specifically involving the CPEC. Afghanistan can be an immensely important transit country between Central Asia and Middle East and its peace and security directly enhances our economic atmosphere.
• APAPPS (Afghanistan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity): It is a mechanism to cooperate on countering terrorism, intelligence sharing, military, economy, trade and transit interaction, refugee repatriation and connectivity between both countries. Currently we are making immense improvements behind the doors.
• Afghanistan deals mostly in perishable goods and unlike the past, we have kept our borders open even in adverse times. Our border crossing is 24 hours operation which is a step in the right direction.
• Visa free status with enhanced checking and vetting can enhance the trade volume between Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is estimated that one lac people will commute daily and legally. This can enhance tracking.
• Border trade towns should be developed to attract Afghan investment.
