PAJCCI Meeting Calls for Unified Strategy to Boost Trade

Karachi: The Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) convened its 11th Annual General Meeting on September 30, 2025, aiming to address the significant decline in bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The meeting, chaired by Mr. Zubair Motiwala, saw the participation of key industry leaders who resolved to implement a unified strategy to tackle pressing trade issues.

The meeting, held at the PAJCCI Secretariat and via Zoom, was attended by prominent figures, including Mr. Jawaid Bilwani, Mr. Junaid Makda, and Mr. Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, among others. The participants unanimously approved previous meeting minutes, adopted financial statements, and re-appointed the auditor.

Mr. Motiwala emphasized the need for a cohesive approach to arrest the declining trade volume, which has dipped from USD 2.5 billion to USD 1 billion. He stressed the importance of understanding why Afghan traders prefer China and called for enhancing Pakistan’s competitiveness.

President PAJCCI, Mr. Makda, highlighted infrastructure issues affecting trade, particularly the Infrastructure Development Cess, and called for engagement with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. He also recommended a high-level delegation visit to Kabul to directly address trade facilitation issues.

Mr. Sarhadi, Senior Vice President, noted a drastic reduction in container traffic at the Torkham border and urged for operational improvements. He was also congratulated for receiving the Sitara-e-Imtiaz.

The meeting underscored the need for a unified agenda, with Vice President Mr. Pervez Lala supporting the strategy. Discussions also highlighted the challenge of inactive banking channels, with calls for policy intervention from the Ministry of Commerce and the State Bank of Pakistan.

The session concluded with appreciation for the leadership’s efforts in advancing PAJCCI’s mission and reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to strengthening bilateral trade.