KARACHI:
Pakistan on Thursday partially restored the Afghan Transit Trade after a 10-day suspension caused by intense clashes between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban.
Around 300 vehicles had been stranded at various points for around two weeks. Transit trade operations would initially be resumed via the Chaman border.
A detailed notification has been issued by the Directorate of Transit Trade (Customs), according to which the cargo operations will be completed in three phases.
The notification states that all routine transit trade operations will resume on a “First In, First Out (FIFO)” basis after the clearance of the backlog.
In the first phase, the nine vehicles that were sent back due to the closure of the border at Friendship Gate will be cleared. These vehicles will be re-weighed and re-scanned, and in case of any discrepancies, they will undergo 100% examination.
In the second phase, the 74 vehicles that were returned from the NLC Border Terminal Yard will be processed. These vehicles will also be re-weighed and re-scanned, and any differences found will lead to a complete inspection.
In the third phase, the 217 vehicles currently stationed at the halting yard will be cleared and allowed to cross the border.
The notification further states that photographs of the movement of all returned or detained vehicles will be taken at the Friendship Gate and preserved in record to ensure transparency and proper documentation.
The restoration of transit trade is expected to provide relief to traders, transporters, and cargo operators who suffered heavy losses during the border closure.
According to officials, security and inspection measures have been further tightened in the resumed trade operations to prevent smuggling and any kind of illegal trade.
The Chaman border is considered the most important land trade route between Pakistan and Afghanistan, through which dozens of trucks and cargo consignments move daily between the two countries.
The resumption of transit trade is expected not only to restore smooth border trade but also improve commercial relations between the two neighbouring nations.
Afghan forces on October 12 opened unprovoked fire at multiple locations along the border in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan provinces.
The Pakistan Army responded swiftly and forcefully and its retaliatory action resulted in the death of 200 Taliban and TTP operatives.
On October 18, the two neighbours agreed to an immediate ceasefire during talks in Doha. Both countries agreed to stop fighting and work toward “lasting peace and stability” in talks mediated by Qatar and Turkey, the ministry said.
