Asad Qaiser Warns of Economic Fallout from Trade Corridor Closures with Afghanistan
Asad Qaiser, a member of Pakistan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, has raised concerns about the negative impact of the closure of trade corridors with Afghanistan on the economy of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He has called for addressing the province’s financial demands.
Closure of Trade Corridors Challenges Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Economy
Asad Qaiser, a senior member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, stated that the ongoing closure of trade routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan has posed serious challenges to the economy of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He shared these concerns on his official social media page yesterday.
Qaiser pointed out that the blockade has led to a significant decline in trade activities within the province, placing numerous businesses on the verge of closure. He emphasized that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is facing the brunt of the national economic crisis, further exacerbated by the shutdown of trade borders with Afghanistan.
Economic Challenges and Development Projects
Furthermore, he noted that the implementation of development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been halted or severely impeded due to the current circumstances. According to Qaiser, the lack of trade flow has negatively affected economic growth and infrastructure development in the province.
Central Government’s Response to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Financial Demands
Qaiser criticized the federal government’s support package of 160 billion rupees, describing it as inadequate. He called for the release of 153 billion rupees owed to the province, which includes Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s share from national tax incentives, water rights, hydropower profits, gas royalties, and financial commitments linked to former tribal areas (FATA).
He stressed that the central government must settle the province’s financial claims before designing new packages in order to create a conducive environment for economic and trade improvement.
