ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister's Advisor on Commerce and Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood has said that Afghan imports will be allowed at all three crossing points from June 22, 2020( tomorrow) subject to Covid-19 SOP conditions.
He shared this information with Afghan ambassador Shukrullah Atif Mashal who called on him. Afghan ambassador said that this is a peak time for Afghan exports of fruits/vegetables which are ready for export. He extended him invitation to visit Kabul with a trade delegation in July- August 2020.
In a tweet, Razak Dawood said, he informed the ambassador that in addition to Pakistan's decision to open Torkham and Chamman for transit trade 6 days a week, Ghulam Khan is being opened as third major trading route to immediately clear the backlog.
"I also discussed resumption of negotiation on APTTA and need for greater safeguards to curb illegal imports from Afghanistan. I assured him of Pakistan's desire of early resolution of all issues regarding bilateral trade," he added.
At a recent meeting, the federal cabinet had directed the Prime Minister Advisor on Commerce and Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood to resolve the issues hindering export of rice to Afghanistan and Iran.
"On the request of Government of Afghanistan and based on our brotherly ties and humanitarian consideration for sustenance of the fraternal people of Afghanistan, Pakistan had opened its two border terminals at Torkham and Chaman for transit trade and exports to Afghanistan," said Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui.
Now, keeping in view both countries' desire to further increase mutual trade, in view of strong fraternal ties and due to renewed Afghan Government's request, she said that it has been decided that with effect from 22 June 2020, the third border terminal at Ghulam Khan will be opened for bilateral trade and to allow transit trade and imports from Afghanistan through Torkham and Chaman border terminals as well.
This arrangement on trade will be in operation 6 days a week, she said, adding that Saturdays will be reserved for pedestrian movement on these border crossing terminals. These steps are being taken after implementing all necessary protocols related to COVID-19 pandemic, she added.
"The opening of Ghulam Khan border crossing terminal and allowing imports from Afghanistan reflects Pakistan's resolve to help Afghanistan and facilitate its trade," she said.
She further said that Pakistan is a major trading partner of Afghanistan and largest market for Afghan exports. The opening of Gwadar Port for Afghanistan's export and import has further strengthened trade linkages between the two countries, she added.
"Pakistan will continue to support a peaceful and economically stable Afghanistan," the spokesperson added.
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