By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - As a major development between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the two countries set up task teams for cross-border movement.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan a joint committee will be established between the consular section of the ministry and the Pakistani embassy in Kabul in order to facilitate the movement of nationals between the two countries.

Setting up of a joint committee for cross-border movement by the Afghan interim government is a major development that officials believe is a positive trajectory of ties between the two countries. 

Pakistan shares a 2670 km long border and five operational crossing points with Afghanistan despite human resource limitations. Such agreements intended on improved arrangements would not only improve bilateral ties but also generate mutual prospects of prosperity and development, a Pakistani official said on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to speak with media. 

“This effort is reflective of IEA’s desire for continuous and practical engagement with Pakistan to ensure lasting peace between the two countries, which is encouraging,” he said.

Recently, an additional trade route at Spin Boldak-Chaman border has been opened for easy trade by businesses community of both countries.

“Afghanistan authorities’s joint arrangement for cross-border movement is a recognition of Pakistan’s struggle for operative border management,” said the official.

Setting up of task team between Islamabad and Kabul is a right step towards improving bilateral ties while restricting movement of militant groups & putting an end to allegations of cross-border incursions.

“A joint team for Pakistan-Afghan border management was a much-needed arrangement to improve security checks and boost prospects for bilateral growth and development,”

On May 28, Obaid ur Rehman Nizamani, Chargé d’Affaires of the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul met with acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi where the two side reached on agreement to facilitate the movement of nationals between the two countries.