Latest news with #Pak-AfghanJointChamberof
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
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.
