Afghanistan’s Transit Through Pakistan Fell by 84% in Past Year

The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, during the conference titled “Presentation of Achievements and Challenges of the Private Sector in 1403,” announced that due to challenges posed by Pakistan, Afghanistan’s transit through that country decreased by 84% over the past year.

The session also addressed other issues, including reduced customs duties on six categories of imported goods, increased exports of some Afghan products, visa challenges, and obstacles related to international financial transactions faced by Afghan traders.

Mohammad Younus Mohmand, First Deputy of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, stated that to enhance trade relations, a joint chamber of commerce is planned between Afghanistan, Central Asian countries, and Turkey.

He added: “Our import transit through Pakistan has dropped by 84%, but via Bandar Abbas, our transit has increased by 95%.”

Meanwhile, other members of the private sector noted that under a directive from the Prime Minister’s Office of the Islamic Emirate, customs duties on six types of imported goods have been reduced. They also emphasized the urgent need to allocate land to industrialists to support the growth of Afghanistan’s industry.

Khanjan Alokozai, a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, said: “160,000 jeribs of land should be allocated to industrialists. We hope this order is implemented; unfortunately, it has not yet been practically enforced. One of the main issues for our industrialists is the shortage of electricity and land.”

Following the return of the Islamic Emirate to power, global sanctions imposed on Afghanistan have created obstacles for the private sector, particularly in obtaining business visas and transferring funds. According to Chamber officials, many of these challenges remain unresolved.