Chairman Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) Zubair Motiwala has called for upgraded infrastructure and well-equipped and competent staff at Torkham border. He said that the business communities across the border welcomed the announcement to keep Torkham border open for 24/7 that is surely a step in the right direction; however, upgraded infrastructure and competent staff must be there to meet the challenges.
Motiwala appreciated the initiative of Prime Minister that is aimed at increasing bilateral trade ties between the two countries. But, he also iterated that the single step needs to be intertwined with other confidence-building measures (CMB) that should reduce the trust deficit across the border.
He suggested the border management system, including quick processing at the border with scanning facility, appropriate number of skilled manpower should also be ensured there.
The PAJCCI head noted that the congestion and infrastructure challenges at port was leading to delays and further aggravated by dilapidated road conditions because that reduces the speed of consignments reaching the border. He stressed this too needs to be looked into.
He said that during a meeting with customs officials, it was highlighted that Torkham border has one gate which is used for the movement of all types of cargo, including transit trade, import/export) and empty containers. That limits the efficacy of border facilitation, this not only increases the time of processing but also creates a backlog, he said.
Motiwala further said that electricity and internet disconnect also cause significant issues as it hampers the operation of WeBoC system, leading to piling of documents. He said this needs pre-processing for clearance of the consignments. The most critical issue highlighted was limited manpower on the border although that is not sufficient even under normal working conditions.
"It is heartening to see that these matters were taken under perspective by the government and also highlighted during the visit of Chief Minister Mahmood Khan," he said, adding that the arrangement at border for ensuring round the clock functionality were deemed satisfactory.
The PAJCCI chairman believed that if these issues were addressed then this investment at the border would surely support enhancement in trade and facilitation of transit.
He also emphasised the need to ensure the same across the border so that the benefits could be achieved mutually through an efficient border system on both sides.
The PAJCCI co-chairman Khan Jan Alokozai also welcomed the initiative of Pakistan government to keep the border operational around the clock. He expressed hope to see it replicated at the Chaman and Ghulam Khan borders as well.
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