New Restrictions Imposed on Trade Between Afghanistan, Pakistan

According to an agreement between the interim Afghan government officials and Pakistan, as of July 15th of this year, trucks carrying commercial goods between the two countries will not be able to travel without obtaining a temporary transit permit.

A document received by media shows that the Pakistani government has ordered the unloading of these trucks without a permit by this date as well.

At the same time, some Afghan traders have criticized the increase in customs tariffs by Pakistan and the enforcement of the temporary transit permit requirement for trucks carrying commercial goods. They urge both the interim government officials and the Pakistani government not to put traders under pressure until the end of the country’s export season.

Naqibullah Safi, Executive Director of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, said, “The Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber has shared this challenge with the office in Karachi, our embassy in Pakistan is working on it, and this issue is being pursued. We hope it will be resolved.”

Some traders have again criticized the increase in customs tariffs on fresh vegetables and fruits from Afghanistan and the requirement for a temporary entry permit by Pakistan.

Omid Haidari, a trader, and Abdul Ghafoor Naseri, head of the General Council of Kabul Markets, said, “Unfortunately, our export traders are suffering. Right now, as I speak with them, hundreds of our trucks are halted due to high tariffs, transport, and fumigation costs. This problem has been created for us from both sides.”

Abdul Ghafoor Naseri, Head of the General Council of Kabul Markets, said, “Most of Afghanistan’s fruit goes to Pakistan and is sold there, and similarly, Pakistani fruit is sold in Afghan markets. We urge both governments to maintain friendly relations as it benefits both countries.”

The Chamber of Commerce and Investment also considers the ongoing challenges in the transportation of commercial goods between Afghanistan and Pakistan to be detrimental to both countries and emphasizes resolving the issues through dialogue.

Mohammad Younus Momand, First Deputy of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said, “Daily blockages have exhausted Afghan traders. We request the Islamic Emirate and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to create a mechanism to separate trade from politics.”

Yesterday, the Islamic Emirate’s embassy in Islamabad expressed concern over the halt of 300 trucks carrying Afghan fruits and vegetables at the ports between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stating that the Islamic Emirate’s delegation, in a meeting with Pakistani officials, emphasized resolving these issues.