Chicken exporters defy PHC orders

Court had banned the broiler exports in Ramazan after shortage and price hike

LANDI KOTAL:

The exports of broilers birds has been going on unchecked to the neighboring Afghanistan via Torkham Border despite a ban on exports placed by the Peshawar High Court (PHC) in order to bring the prices of chickens under control in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

Local residents told The Express Tribune that around 25 heavy trucks cross the border into Afghanistan on daily basis without inviting any attention from the quarters concerned in clear cut violations of the court orders.

They said that the exports never ever stopped despite the PHC decision.

“Torkham is just one point. There are many more trade routes and all these routes are being used for exports,” they said.

When contacted, a high ranking customs official said that they had not received any order regarding a ban placed on chicken exports to Afghanistan by the PHC and that was why there was no ban on the supply.

“There is no written order from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Commerce Ministry or even the Law Department regarding any ban on chicken exports. Even the district administration has not informed us about it formally and in black and white so we allowed the exports because we can’t stop it on our own,” he said, adding that as a result chickens were being supplied to the neighboring country non-stop.

“Today the DC sent us a letter in back date on whats app asking us to stop the exports immediately. So we have to oblige now,” he said, adding that basically DCs had been directed by the PHC to ensure the ban in their respective areas.

When contacted, Deputy Commissioner Khyber, Mansoor Arshad said that he was not aware on any ban on the exports of chickens to Afghanistan but he will discuss the issue with the concerned officials of Customs.

“Let me discuss this matter with the Customs officials posted in Khyber but frankly speaking I have no idea of any ban on chicken exports,” he said when approached.

It is worth mentioning here that during Ramazan when the chicken prices touched Rs400 per kilogram mark and its availability was restricted, PHC took notice of the hike of beef and white meat and placed a ban on its exports. PHC directed the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of the merged districts to make sure the ban is properly implemented. DCs were ordered to take necessary steps and inform Food Department about these steps.

Other officials said that the ban on the exports will be effective once they receive a written order from Islamabad which is yet to arrive and till then the border will be opened for all kinds of exports including chicken and cattle heads.

It is worth mentioning here that after the announcement of ban by the PHC on chicken exports the prices of broilers birds dropped dramatically on the local markets.

After that the PHC ordered the district administration and Food Department to ensure the ban on the exports of cattle to Afghanistan on the eve of Eid.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 27^th, 2021.