Peshawar: Former Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Haji Ghulam Ali, has welcomed the reopening of the Torkham border, stating that the restoration of trade and public connections between Pakistan and Afghanistan is in the best interest of both countries and the business community. He emphasized that cross-border trade plays a vital role in economic stability and provides employment to thousands of people.

He further stated that both nations should adopt a friendly approach to improve bilateral relations and resolve such issues through dialogue to prevent future border closures. He stressed that unnecessary restrictions on trade not only harm businesses but also negatively impact the livelihoods of common people, especially those dependent on cross-border commerce.

Haji Ghulam Ali highlighted the deep cultural, historical, and economic ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan and urged both governments to take concrete steps toward long-term trade facilitation. He called for the establishment of a mechanism to ensure the smooth movement of goods and people, which would foster regional economic growth.

He also urged relevant authorities to address the concerns of traders and transporters on priority, ensuring that cross-border trade remains uninterrupted in the future. He expressed hope that the government will take effective measures to enhance trade and travel facilities between the two countries, ultimately promoting stability and prosperity in the region.