The Senate Standing Committee on Commerce has called for the urgent reopening of the Badini Border to enhance trade with neighboring countries and support local communities. The Committee, chaired by Senator Anusha Rahman, emphasized that resuming operations at the border is essential for promoting bilateral trade and improving livelihoods in the region.
During the meeting, committee members discussed concerns raised by the Quetta and Chaman Chambers of Commerce, who advocated for the immediate reopening of the Badini Border. The border had previously been opened for only three months in 2021 before being closed again. Senator Rahman highlighted the importance of prompt action, stating that restoring border trade would benefit both economic activities and local populations.
Officials from the Ministry of Commerce explained that the suspension of trade at Badini was due to the withdrawal of Afghan customs staff. They also informed the committee that funding for road construction at the border site has recently been approved, aimed at further easing the movement of goods.
The committee recommended that the Ministry of Commerce, along with the Quetta Chamber of Commerce, urgently engage with Afghan authorities to resolve the issue and resume cross-border trade.
In addition, the Senate Committee announced progress on regulations related to barter trade agreements with Iran, Afghanistan, and Russia. Amendments have been finalized to facilitate easier barter trading, allowing individuals, companies, and consortia to participate. The revised regulations extend the settlement period for barter transactions from 90 to 120 days, and remove previous restrictions on the list of tradable commodities.
The Federal Minister for Commerce underlined the need to further expand trade ties with Iran and to strengthen private sector participation to stimulate economic growth in border regions. Representatives from the Quetta Chamber of Commerce pointed out the imbalance in trade with Iran, noting that Pakistan exports only a handful of items while importing about 150 goods from its neighbor.
Barter trade customs valuation and related challenges were also discussed, with committee members seeking better facilitation for traders. Senator Rahman announced that, with support from the Prime Minister’s office, new export protocols for maize and nuts have been approved, opening up fresh opportunities for Pakistani maize exports to China. Officials in Beijing confirmed that these protocols have been forwarded for final approval by the Joint Cooperation Committee, after which company registrations will commence.
Senator Rahman also addressed the lack of a Pakistani Chamber of Commerce in China, stressing the importance of establishing such a presence to better support exporters and promote Pakistani goods in the Chinese market. She urged the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) to set up a registered chamber in China.
The discussion also covered proposals for building cold storage facilities and an LPG terminal at the Chaman Border. Chambers of Commerce were advised to formally submit their proposals to the Export Development Fund for consideration. The meeting was attended by members of the Senate committee, the Federal Minister for Commerce, and senior officials from relevant ministries and agencies.
