Perishable goods: Customs clearance station shifted to Jamrud

Agents in Torkham take to the streets against decision

PESHAWAR:

The Customs department has shifted its clearance station for perishable commodities to Jamrud tehsil of Khyber Agency from the Pak-Afghan border in Torkham.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, customs officials said the decision has been taken owing to the shortage of space, equipment and other facilities at the clearance station in Torkham. The station lacks scanners, proper terminals, examination areas and sufficient space to park containers.



As per the new plans, the clearance station will be shifted to a terminal provided by the National Logistics Cell (NLC) in Jamrud tehsil.

According to customs officials, NLC has ample space where goods can be registered and other facilities can be provided. In addition, the facility has enough room to set up examination areas for perishable goods.

Customs officials in Torkham told The Express Tribune goods were transported from Afghanistan and other central Asian countries in Pakistan. However, they could not be scanned for security.

“A container took around three days to scan,” one of the officials said. “This will overburden the border.”

Up in arms

However, agents who work at the clearance station in Torkham have vehemently opposed the move and taken to the streets against the decision.

Zarqeeb Shinwari, one of the agents, said they are only willing to cooperate with the customs department, not NLC.

“The station has been functional for decades,” he said. “Clearing agencies have been doing their job. The decision to transfer the clearance station is an injustice.”

According to Shinwari, a few commodities were initially shifted to the station. He added the decision to shift the clearance station to Jamrud tehsil is against the law.

When contacted, Peshawar Customs Collector Qurban Ali Khan told The Express Tribune the Customs department had repeatedly demanded scanning machines at the clearance station.

“However, the situation cannot be managed at the station in Torkham as the infrastructure is inadequate,” he said.

He confirmed the clearance station was shifted to Jamrud tehsil as the NLC terminal has all the required facilities.

“We hope to address the grievances of the agents soon,” he added.

According to Qurban Ali, a mega project is being planned in collaboration with Asian Development Bank whereby Chaman, Wagah and Torkham borders will be upgraded. It is likely to be made functional by June.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4^th,  2016.