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Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
PAJCCI greets new visa policy for Afghan drivers
PESHAWAR: Senior Vice President Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi has welcomed the decision of Pakistan government of introducing a one year multiple entry visa for Afghan drivers to boost cross border trade. In a bid to enhance bilateral trade and streamline border management, Pakistan has recently announced this policy of granting Afghan drivers and transporters one-year multiple entry visas. 'The step taken by the government would help in reducing the hindrances in Pak-Afghan trade and transit trade by facilitating passage of good laden trucks between the two countries,' Zia commented. Sarhadi who is also Executive Member Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) also made some suggestions of making the new policy more practical and long lasting. He said before this policy, the government had decided to issue TAD-1 documents for Afghan drivers, with one year validity. Initially the visa fee for TAD was set at $100, but then it later it increased creating problems for drivers and traders. He said measures should be taken to ensure implementation of a fixed fee for the new visa issuance policy and drivers should not be compelled to pay additional amounts. He also suggested setting up a desk at Torkham border point for visa issuance and renewal for drivers and cleaners. He recalled the issuance of ''Red Pass' by the Pakistan government in late 80's to people associated with Pak-Afghan trade who keep on travelling across the border for business purposes. Revival of Red Pass policy will also help in expediting cargo travelling procedure and timing in Pak-Afghan trade, Zia opined. He said visiting drivers to embassies for application submission and other formalities will be time consuming and may cause delay in transportation of import-export bound goods between the two countries. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
04-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Afghan truckers suffer as Pak-India hostilities escalate
ISLAMABAD: The recent escalation in hostilities between Pakistan and India has left truckers from Afghanistan in a mess. The central leader of the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) on Saturday said that India has not allowed Afghan trucks carrying goods to cross the Wagah border. Pakistan allows 150 Afghan trucks to enter India via Wagah border Whereas, he added that Pakistan has also not permitted the vehicles carrying items imported from India under the transit agreement to enter Afghanistan via Torkham and Chaman border points. Earlier this week, Pakistan allowed 150 stranded Afghan trucks carrying goods for India to cross the border, easing a weeks-long bottleneck. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
22-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PAJCCI welcomes Dar's visit to Afghanistan
PESHAWAR: Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) has warmly welcomed the first official visit of Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, to Afghanistan, marking a pivotal moment in strengthening bilateral relations, security, and trade between the two nations. PAJCCI's Senior Vice President, Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi while talking to this scribe here on Monday expressed optimism that this high-level engagement will foster enhanced cooperation in critical areas, including trade, transit, security, and people-to-people ties. 'This visit underscores a shared commitment to mutual prosperity and long-term partnership,' Zia stated, adding that PAJCCI remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that drive sustainable growth and connectivity between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Zia highlighted the significance of both nations reaffirming their commitment to stronger bilateral relations during the visit. He particularly welcomed Deputy PM Dar's announcement of a new Transit Track and Trade System, set to launch on June 30, 2025, which will streamline Afghan transit goods and reduce logistical bottlenecks. 'The new system will significantly ease bilateral trade and lower costs,' Zia remarked. He also lauded Pakistan's decision to allow two additional companies to join the National Logistics Cell (NLC) in transporting Afghan goods, promoting healthy competition and cost efficiency. Additionally, Zia praised the approval of insurance guarantees for transit goods, a long-standing demand of traders. 'Moving forward, A++ insurance company guarantees will replace traditional bank guarantees, simplifying the process for businesses,' he explained. Another key development is the introduction of cross-stuffing, enabling the transfer of goods between containers, which will commence on June 30, 2025, starting with 500 consignments monthly or sooner if feasible. Zia expressed confidence that the agreements reached during Dar's visit will boost regional cooperation, enhance security, and unlock new trade opportunities, further solidifying the bond between the two neighbouring brotherly nations. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
21-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Trouble brewing on borders
Listen to article March 20 marked two significant developments: Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to reopen the Torkham border partially; and an unusual but eventful meeting in Kabul led to the release of American hostage George Glenzman, facilitated by the Qatari government. Both events should raise concerns for Pakistan. The border issue: a recurring challenge The reopening of the Torkham border brought relief to traders, farmers, officials and daily wage workers on both sides, nearly four weeks after an exchange of fire forced its closure. The reopening followed multiple jirgas involving tribal elders, religious scholars and traders from both countries. Cargo vehicles once again began flowing through the corridor in both directions. The latest stand-off was triggered by Pakistani objections to the construction and renovation of a border checkpost on the Afghan side, leading to the border's closure on February 21. In response, Afghan border officials accused Pakistan of installing a new signboard near the crossing without prior consultation, unilaterally altering the border's structure. Khan Jan Alokozay, Co-chairman of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chambers of Commerce and Industries (PAJCCI), lamented how political tensions consistently disrupt cross-border trade. "We kept urging both sides to resolve their disputes through dialogue instead of punishing tens of thousands of people and crippling trade," he told me at his Kabul office. Alokozay highlighted the economic fallout: nearly 100 trucks carrying beans, lentils and cotton from Central Asia to Pakistan were stranded on the Afghan side, while 250 coal-laden trucks destined for Pakistan remained stuck for 26 days. On average, 800 trucks cross the border daily, supporting countless livelihoods and markets. Despite repeated efforts by PAJCCI to insulate trade and economic activity from political acrimony, occasional border closures persist. Such episodes could be avoided if both sides adhered to prior consultations through the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), established years ago for this purpose. The release of George Glenzman: a diplomatic move The release of American prisoner George Glenzman, a Delta Air Lines mechanic, after two years of detention followed a surprise meeting in Kabul between Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Adam Boehler, the US diplomat for hostage negotiations. Former US special representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, also accompanied Boehler. Glenzman's release follows that of two other Americans, Ryan Corbett and William, earlier this year, in a deal struck during the final days of the Biden administration in exchange for a Taliban member held in US custody. An official statement described the Muttaqi-Boehler meeting as a "significant step in rebuilding diplomatic engagement." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Qatar for its "instrumental" role in securing Glenzman's freedom. Implications for Pakistan The situation does not bode well for Pakistan on multiple fronts. 1. Economic fallout from border closures Repeated border closures and illogical restrictions on Afghan transit trade have diverted an estimated $2 billion in trade to Iran's Bandar Abbas and Chabahar ports. Afghan importers, who are inherently risk-averse, seek ease and certainty in doing business. However, Pakistan's management of transit trade has been neither easy nor risk-free. While Pakistan remains the preferred route for Afghan importers due to cost and time efficiency, the lack of a long-term, transparent and logical policy framework has led to bureaucratic harassment and extraction at Karachi and Qasim ports. This has resulted in diminishing returns and growing resentment in Afghanistan. 2. Qatar's growing role in Afghanistan The release of Glenzman has once again positioned Qatar at the centre of Afghan-related issues, underscoring its growing influence in the region. 3. The return of Zalmay Khalilzad The presence of Zalmay Khalilzad, alongside Adam Boehler, in Kabul should raise alarms in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Khalilzad has been vocal in his criticism of Pakistan's current political system and has repeatedly called for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. He has even warned of a potential meltdown if the government fails to reach a deal with the PTI. 4. A two-front security challenge Pakistan faces a literal two-front war situation. On its western front, terrorist groups like TTP and BLA-BLF continue to launch vicious attacks across Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. On the eastern front, the drumbeat of insecurity and terrorist violence persists, stoking international fears and projecting Pakistan as a haven for non-state actors. This raises a critical question: are elements within the Islamic Emirate, perhaps unconsciously, facilitating India's proxy war against Pakistan by refusing to act against the TTP and its affiliates? The allure of the Chabahar port, managed by an Indian company, is too great for many Afghans to resist, providing India with an opportunity to regain lost ground in Afghanistan. 5. Economic and diplomatic isolation Empty coffers are more of a liability than a geopolitical advantage. While Pakistan's strategic location has historically attracted expediency-driven favours - evident during the two Afghan wars — it offers little lasting benefit if the country remains internally unstable and insecure. Economic relevance and political-diplomatic isolation loom large as most nations focus inward on addressing their own challenges. The dual developments of the Torkham border reopening and Glenzman's release highlight the complex dynamics at play in the region. For Pakistan, the recurring border tensions, growing security challenges and diplomatic shifts underscore the urgent need for a coherent, long-term strategy to stabilise its economy, secure its borders and rebuild its international standing. Without such measures, the country risks further isolation and instability in an increasingly volatile region.
Express Tribune
15-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Torkham closure costs $60m in trade
Torkham, a key border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the Khyber District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, remained closed for the 21st day on Friday amid rising concern of the businessmen of both the countries who are suffering huge losses due to the closure. The crossing was closed on February 21 after escalation of tensions between the border forces of the two neighbors due to construction of some structures close to the border by Afghan authorities in violation of an agreement. During subsequent exchanges of fire, three Afghan soldiers died while eight Pakistani paramilitary troops also sustained injuries. Last week, the two countries formed their respective jirgas which met at the border crossing and enabled a ceasefire at the border crossing. The Afghan jirga, however, did not hold a meeting with its Pakistani counterpart on Thursday after the inclusion of dozens of new members in the Pakistani delegation. According to sources, no meeting between the jirgas took place on Friday because of a public holiday in Afghanistan. However, the jirgas are likely to meet today (Saturday) to resolve the crisis. Customs sources said trade suspension is causing an estimated daily loss of $3 million in bilateral trade. They said imports from Afghanistan average $1.6 million daily, while exports amount to $1.4 million. Over the last 20 days, approximately $60 million in trade has been lost. Torkham Border Crossing facilitates the daily movement of around 10,000 people to Afghanistan. However, all movement and trade has been suspended since February 21 and over 5,000 trucks, including those carrying perishable goods, are stranded, causing heavy financial losses. Junaid Makda, president of the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce (PAJCCI), warned that if trade barriers are not removed, Pakistan risks losing its potential as a key trade corridor in the region and missing out on vast economic opportunities. "There is a need for immediate measures to resolve the growing trade crisis between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asian countries. The ongoing border closure, rising transportation costs, and increasing trade restrictions are not only damaging cross-border business but also hurting Pakistan's economy," he said. Makda said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's government has recently reduced the Infrastructure Development Cess (IDC) to 1% on both forward and reverse transit trade with Afghanistan. He argued that any form of IDC on transit trade is unjustified, as it discourages legitimate businesses and violates international commitments. The imposition of IDC and the border closure are forcing Afghan traders to shift from Pakistani routes to Iranian ports, causing long-term damage to Pakistan's trade network. He said despite continuous efforts by PAJCCI, the situation has worsened. "The prolonged closure has diverted trade towards Chabahar and Bandar Abbas, making them more competitive routes. Uncertainty and long delays are eroding traders' confidence and discouraging investors." Makda said under international protocols, Pakistan is responsible for facilitating trade for landlocked countries like Afghanistan.
