Promotion of Pak-Afghan trade: Afghan envoy, businessmen agree on launching of collective efforts

F.P. Report

PESHAWAR: Acting Consul General Afghan Consulate Peshawar, Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir and businessmen from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have agreed over launching of collective efforts for removal of hindrances between Pak-Afghan bilateral and Transit trade.

The agreement was reached during a meeting of local businessmen with the Acting Consul General of Afghan Consulate, said a press release issued here on Saturday.
The businessmen were led by Director Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI), Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi.

Second Secretary Consulate General, Mufti Noorullah Hotak, Commercial Attache, Waheedullah Himat and Protocol Officer, Shahid Ullah Zaheer were also present in the meeting.

Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi who is also former Senior Vice President of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) apprised the participants of the meeting by problems being faced by businessmen dealing in Pak-Afghan trade.

The issues raised by Zia included restoration of the Afghan document Ilm o Khabar document, constitution of a liaison committee between the two countries, problems faced by exporters, importers, industrialists and others.

On this occasion,the Afghan Consulate officials also informed businessmen about their suggestions and some reservations on unnecessary and unregistered checking points at Torkham border, non-implementation of decision regarding cross tuffing of Afghan transit containers into local containers, inflicting losses on Afghan businessmen under the head of detention charges.

They also expressed reservation over delay in checking of Afghan transit goods at Karachi sea port, causing delay in reaching of consignment.

Speaking on the occasion, Zia Sarhadi said it is the need of the hour to take steps from both the government of Pakistan and Afghanistan for removal of hindrances in trade between the two countries.

He said bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan is very essential for bringing prosperity in the region and this goal can be achieved through launching sincere efforts.