Afghan Commerce Minister Wary of Antagonizing Pakistan

Because of Afghanistan's large amount of dry fruit export to Pakistan via the border crossing, Afghanistan should not jeopardize its relationship with Pakistan, according to the Minister of Commerce and Industries, Anwarul Haq Ahadi.

In his speech to Senators, Ahadi stressed that "We [Afghanistan] should take it easy with Pakistan...[and] if we react as Pakistan has, we will have major losses."

Hundreds of Afghan trucks have been stopped on the Pakistini-Afghan border by Pakistani military for several days and weeks in recent months.

According to the Zalmai Rassoul, Afghan Foreign Minister , "Diplomatic efforts to solve the issue have failed. Pakistan promised to form a commission in this regard."

Afghan Chamber of Commerce officials also believe that Pakistan tried to keep Afghan goods longer in transit for higher taxes and transit charges within the country.

Transit controversy between Afghanistan and Pakistan have increased since NATO supply trucks have had issues crossing into Afghanistan.