Reacting to the recent statement of Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that Afghanistan’s decision regarding the corridor is its internal matter; Pakistan will not suffer any economic loss from it.
Khawaja Asif clarified that all the goods sold to Afghanistan through Karachi Port ultimately come from within Pakistan; however, if the Afghan government wants to increase trade via Iran, Turkey, Turkmenistan, or India, then they have full authority.
He added that if the movement of goods through Pakistan for Afghanistan decreases, it will reduce the threat of terrorism and improve border management. According to him, “This is actually a blessing in disguise, because if they find other routes, it will be a relief for Pakistan.”
The Defence Minister also said that terrorism can be eliminated in Pakistan and the security situation will further improve with a reduction in border movement.
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