Amid persistent security challenges and recurring border closures, experts from both sides of the Pakistan-Afghanistan divide argue that dialogue is not just preferable but the only viable path forward. At a high-level consultation in Islamabad on Monday, participants called for pragmatic cooperation, expanded trade, and stronger Track 1.5 and Track II diplomacy to rebuild trust. The event, organized by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) under its multitrack diplomacy initiative, Beyond Boundaries, brought together former diplomats, security officials, business leaders, and tribal representatives. Main Developments Economic interdependence emerged as a central theme. Fazal Moqeem, former president of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted that many industries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa rely heavily on trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia. He warned that prolonged disruptions have led to unemployment and economic hardship, urging both state and non-state stakeholders to revive dialogue and restore mutually beneficial engagement. Nasir Dawar, a senior journalist and tribal representative from North Waziristan, highlighted how strained relations have forced many businesses—particularly those owned by people from the former tribal areas—to shut down. These enterprises depended on Afghan and Central Asian markets, and their closure has had a ripple effect on local economies. Read also: CDA Accelerates Cricket Stadium Work at Margalla Foothills Arbab Qaiser, Chief of the Customs Wing at the Federal Board of Revenue, underscored the impact of border closures on trade with Central Asia. He called for a closer assessment of the economic consequences and described traders as goodwill ambassadors who can strengthen bilateral relations. He also noted that previous ministerial-level engagements had produced positive outcomes. On the security front, retired Lieutenant General Inamul Haq argued that geostrategic considerations will continue to outweigh geoeconomic interests. He identified the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as the foremost challenge and maintained that meaningful normalisation would remain difficult without addressing the group's presence in Afghanistan. Background The consultation comes against a backdrop of recurring border closures and cross-border hostilities. Maulana Mufti Muhammad Qasim Haqqani revealed that nearly 90 per cent of Chaman's population depends on cross-border trade and related economic activity, making the community especially vulnerable. He mentioned that local representatives had travelled to Kandahar to urge restraint and protect civilians from the effects of hostilities. Former foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua stressed that sustained engagement with Afghanistan remains essential, dismissing regime change as neither realistic nor desirable. Former ambassador Riffat Masood cautioned against treating border closures as the default response to security incidents, noting that both countries have fallen short of making sustained efforts to normalise relations. Why It Matters The stakes are high for ordinary people on both sides of the border. Prolonged disruptions have already caused unemployment and business closures, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the former tribal areas. Chaman's near-total dependence on cross-border trade means that border closures can devastate an entire community's livelihood. Beyond economics, the experts stressed the need to counter growing polarisation. Tehmina Janjua emphasised the importance of expanding trade, strengthening people-to-people ties, and promoting positive narratives. Policy professional Ammara Durrani called for a broader strategic rethink and elevating Track II engagement to Track 1.5 diplomacy, highlighting the asymmetry in the bilateral relationship. What's Next The consultation concluded with calls for sustained dialogue and practical steps. Former ambassador Seema Elahi Baloch questioned whether diplomatic avenues have been genuinely exhausted and urged greater emphasis on dialogue before resorting to confrontational measures. Dr Qibla Ayaz, a member of the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court, called for attention to Afghanistan's humanitarian challenges, including poverty and food insecurity, alongside security concerns. Moving forward, the onus is on stakeholders on both sides to translate these recommendations into action. Whether through revived ministerial engagements, Track 1.5 diplomacy, or grassroots initiatives, the path to normalisation lies in sustained communication rather than reactive measures.