Businessmen want barriers to Kabul trade dismantled

Pakistan, Afghan traders propose ways to boost mutual business

PESHAWAR:

A group of Pakistani and Afghan traders have expressed their concerns regarding the obstacles hindering the increase of bilateral trade between the two neighboring countries. In a meeting held at Torkham crossing, the participants engaged in a detailed discussion on the performance of various public sector institutions and the problems faced by the business community on both sides of the Pak-Afghan border.

The meeting was chaired by the recently appointed Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Collector Customs, Fayyaz Anwar.

Along with other senior officials, including representatives from customs, NLC, FC, police, and other security departments, the attendees suggested a number of proposals to solve the obstacles in the way of Pak-Afghan mutual trade. The meeting also discussed other pertinent issues.

Ziaul Haq Sarhadi, Coordinator and Director of PAJCCI, emphasized the need for steps to remove hindrances in the way of Pak-Afghan mutual trade and transit trade.

He explained that while there was no issue from the customs department at Torkham, Ghulam Khan, Kharlachi border, other institutions took a significant amount of time on checking. This slow processing has caused great difficulties for the business community, Sarhadi added.

Sarhadi further stated that despite official orders of cross-stuffing, the directives have not been implemented, and detention charges were also levied on each container.

The FCCA president suggested that Afghan transit trade goods should be carried out from Karachi to Torkham through Pakistan Railways along with a bonded carrier service. He urged the authorities concerned to allow filing of GD (Goods Documents) at Azakhel Dry Port, so that the customs clearing agents of K-P could also continue their business.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 10^th, 2023.