ISLAMABAD: Following successful commercial cargo transportation to Turkey and Azerbaijan under the Transport Internationaux International (TIR) convention, the National Logistics Cell (NLC) has achieved yet another significant milestone by successfully delivering consignments to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan via land route through Afghanistan.

This accomplishment aligns with the government’s policy to explore untapped markets in Central Asia by enhancing regional connectivity, senior officials told Business Recorder.

The trailblazing initiative offers a door-to-door transportation solution, resulting in a remarkable 70-80 percent reduction in transit time compared to existing arrangements.

The NLC’s convoy of eight trucks loaded with 40-foot containers carrying commercial cargo from Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Peshawar embarked on the journey to Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Almaty, and Astana (Kazakhstan). The trucks covered 3,800 kilometers and 4,600 from Karachi to Almaty and Astana respectively.

A distance of 3,000 kilometers was covered from Karachi to Tashkent. Upon their return, these vehicles will carry reverse loads to Pakistan.

The NLC’s TIR operations to Central Asia provide a one-window solution, eliminating the need for truck exchanges at borders.

This has proven highly beneficial to exporters and importers, significantly reducing the cost of doing business by eliminating multiple intermediaries and simplifying the border documentation processes.

Additionally, it reduces transit time, eliminates demurrage and detention charges and removes the hassles often associated with cross-border trade.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023