Bilateral political tensions are escalating to unprecedented levels, creating yet another humanitarian crisis on both sides of Pak-Afghan border. These concerns were echoed at a recent all-party Peace Jirga convened by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati at the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly — an unprecedented gathering representing a broad cross-section of society. The dominant message was clear: inclusive dialogue with provincial stakeholders, not confrontation, is the only viable path forward.

In this already volatile environment, Taliban Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Baradar abruptly instructed Afghan traders — without prior consultation or planning — to end commercial ties with Pakistan within three months and seek alternative trade routes. His televised directive appeared mo

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