PESHAWAR, March 31: Speakers at a seminar on Pakistan-Afghanistan relations have stressed the need for enhancing trade and cultural ties between the two countries through people-to-people contacts.

They urged the government to prepare a comprehensive policy about Afghanistan because after departure of coalition troops, the two countries would have to play an effective role in the region.

The speakers said that over 60,000 Pakistanis were engaged in economic activities in Afghanistan and with $250 million business, it was the second largest trading partner of Pakistan.

They called for legalising the $2 billion illicit trade with Afghanistan before enhancing trade ties with it.

They said Afghanistan must be considered as a major market and except for drugs and weapons, there must be a free movement of goods between the two countries.

They called upon the government to improve its infrastructure and open rail links with Afghanistan.