Closure of border crossing in Chaman: MoC seeks statistics on losses

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has sought detailed statistics on financial losses from the Chaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) following the suspension of trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan amid rising tensions between the two countries.

In this regard, a delegation of the CCCI held a meeting with Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, during which it shared the concerns of exporters and traders, including the financial losses incurred due to the suspension of bilateral trade.

The meeting addressed challenges arising from frequent and prolonged closures at the Pak-Afghan border crossing in Chaman. Delegates highlighted the socio-economic impact of the closures, including financial losses for traders, disruption of perishable goods exports, rising unemployment, and hardships faced by local communities’ dependent on cross-border trade.

Traders say Afghan border closure causing huge losses

The Coordinator acknowledged the concerns raised by stakeholders and emphasized that resolving the issues faced by Chaman’s communities remains a priority for the government.

The matters discussed will be escalated to relevant national and bilateral forums to seek sustainable solutions, with a focus on establishing predictable, transparent, and efficient border management protocols that balance security requirements with the facilitation of legitimate trade.

The CCCI also raised the issue of containers blocked under the Afghan Transit Trade (ATT) mechanism, including vehicles associated with this trade. Traders are facing mounting demurrage charges due to the prolonged stoppage of containers at ports.

“We have asked the CCCI to share data on how many containers are currently stuck at the ports so that a viable solution can be worked out in consultation with Customs (FBR) and other relevant stakeholders, including the re-export of imported goods,” Rana Ihsaan said while talking to Business Recorder. However, he noted that the decision on border closures is taken at the national level and cannot be reversed unilaterally. The Coordinator also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing border trade challenges and ensuring that local communities continue to thrive.

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