KABUL/ISLAMABAD (SW) – Following the ban on undocumented cargo truck transit at the Torkham border crossing starting August 1st, Pakistan has closed the route to Afghan traders without temporary transit permits.
Officials from the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) indicate efforts are underway to provide more opportunities for obtaining these permits.
Naqibullah Safi, the chamber’s executive head, stated, “Efforts are being made to allow more time for these trucks to obtain temporary transit permits. Our recommendation to drivers and vehicle owners is to acquire these permits promptly.”
Meanwhile, officials at the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) expressed concerns over the economic losses incurred by traders due to the blockade at Torkham.
Jan Aqa Nawid, a spokesperson for the chamber, noted that the process of obtaining temporary transit permits is lengthy and time-consuming. He stated, “The distribution process for these transit permits, and the specific permits agreed upon, needs to be expedited. It is crucial that the permits be made available to cargo carriers as quickly as possible to facilitate their border crossings.”
Sefatullah Sahibzada, an Afghan trader frustrated by delays in the permit process, called for simplifying the issuance of temporary transit permits. He highlighted the challenges faced by many trucks: “The process is problematic and difficult. Trucks are only about 10% compliant with the required documentation, while 90% are still lacking the necessary permits. Trucks with the required permits are allowed to pass, whereas those without are denied entry.”
Abdul Nasir Rashtia, an economic affairs expert, pointed out Pakistan’s recurring transit issues during Afghanistan’s harvest season. He emphasized the need to explore alternative transit routes and new markets for Afghan products to resolve these recurring trade disruptions. “Unfortunately, for many years, Pakistan has used Afghan transit and trade as a lever of pressure. Whenever political relations sour, they close their borders, impose seasonal tariffs, or create obstacles in some other way to hinder Afghan trade and transit.”
Pakistan had initially provided a deadline until July 31st, for Afghan cargo truck drivers to obtain temporary transit permits designed to facilitate legal border crossings between the two countries. The permits are distributed to traders through the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul and the Afghanistan Consulate General in Peshawar.
