Pakistan to close trade ports with Afghanistan until security guarantees are received
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andarabi announced on Friday that trade ports with Afghanistan will remain closed until Kabul provides “firm” guarantees to prevent terrorists and violent elements from entering Pakistan from its soil.
Andrabi emphasized in a press conference that Pakistan’s concern is not limited to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) but also includes Afghan nationals involved in attacks inside Pakistan.
Bilateral trade has been suspended since October 12 this year after Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan and deadly clashes near the Durand Line.
In contrast, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, has announced that trade routes will only be reopened when Afghanistan receives strong guarantees that the closure of these ports will not be used as a tool of political pressure.
