July 24, 2022
2 mins read

‘It’s high time for Kabul to come out of Pak grip’

Apart from that issues such as repeated border closures and persistent tensions between the two sides over the Durand line have hampered trade inflows in Kabul….reports Asian Lite News

Crisis-ridden Afghanistan has been badly impacted by the economic, and political instability of Pakistan.

Apart from that issues such as repeated border closures and persistent tensions between the two sides over the Durand line have hampered trade inflows in Kabul.

 “It is time for Kabul to come out of Islamabad’s grip as the latter only intends to exploit Afghan resources to boost its own trade and economy. A failing neighbour would indeed be a stumbling block for Kabul’s development and a country which is aspiring to meet at least the basic needs of its population in the immediate future, Afghan Diaspora Network reported

Afghanistan’s trade volumes, as well as economic empowerment, have been dependent on Pakistan for so many years. Due to this dependency, Kabul, which is already facing an economic crisis after the regime change in August last year, is now facing new difficulties on account of the fast deteriorating economic situation in Pakistan, Afghan Diaspora Network reported.

Pakistan’s political crisis has begun to hit its worsening economic situation turning the conditions very painful and pitiable. Citizens’ anger and frustrations are at it’s peak in the country. Inflation is skyrocketing while peoples’ purchasing power is fast declining.

Petrol prices have gone up to Pakistan Rupee (PKR) 248.74 and diesel prices to PKR 276.54 and are likely to rise further. The increasing size of the external debt servicing in each quarter indicates the government has been borrowing dollars at higher commercial rates to meet its foreign debt repayment obligations, the Afghan Diaspora Network reported.

Pakistan’s economy was badly managed over the last several decades and this is now being increasingly noticed internationally.

Following this, the ongoing situation is considered as Pakistan has run out of money.

Afghanistan is faced with both shortages of goods and foreign exchange, Pakistan’s policy objective is to compel Afghan traders to opt for Pakistani exports. Islamabad is trying to exploit Afghanistan’s economic difficulties to boost Pakistani exports and benefit its producers.

Reports say that port connectivity is the major issue in increasing Afghan trade.

However, Karachi port which provides connectivity to Afghan trade faces perpetual congestion. Though Pakistan offers its prestigious Gwadar Port route for Afghan trade, the port is currently underdeveloped and managed by the Chinese.

The Gwadar Port suffers from a number of difficulties like the inhospitable conditions of Baluchistan as well as harsh climate, besides shortages of water, power and other infrastructure. On top of it, the entire project is perceived as being beneficial only to China and to the Pakistani elite.

Pakistan’s clamping down on Afghanistan’s trade flows as well as repeated border closures is adversely affecting Kabul’s trade. Due to the unpredictability of Pakistani policy and difficulties in bilateral trade, Afghanistan is searching for alternative markets and routes to keep its foreign trade alive. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Pakistan, China mull extending CPEC to Afghanistan

Previous Story

Unclear debt data poses tough challenge for Lanka

Next Story

Taliban recognition through consensual approach

Latest from -Top News

Kenya’s Odinga Slams Adani Deal U-Turn

Before the cancellation of the deal, Odinga was among the leaders who defended the Adani Group….reports Asian Lite News Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Friday expressed disappointment over the cancellation

Hindus in Peril in Bangladesh

The rights group submitted new evidence to the ICC, accusing Muhammad Yunus’s interim government of top-level complicity….reports Asian Lite News The Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) on Friday condemned a

India Takes Yoga to the World

Ahead of June 21, yoga events are being held worldwide, promoting health, harmony, and well-being for the 11th IDY…reports Asian Lite News Marking a global celebration of India’s cultural heritage, the Indian

War on Children Worsens, Says UN

The new high surpassed 2023, another record year, which itself represented a 21 per cent increase over the preceding year….reports Asian Lite News Violence against children in conflict zones soared to record

Yemen Faces Famine Alert

The humanitarian response to the Yemeni crisis has been severely hampered by funding shortfalls…reports Asian Lite News The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that famine
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UN Rights Chief Alarmed Over Abuses on Afghan Expellees

Pakistan ordered undocumented foreigners, including Afghans residing in Pakistan, to

Pakistan Stuns Sri Lanka

This was the first time in men’s Cricket World Cup