Bilateral trade between Afghanistan through Kurram Agency of the Federally Administered Tribal Area (Fata) has witnessed sharp increase during the current financial year. In the wake of the closure of Customs Station Ghulam Khan (North Waziristan Agency) and peaceful atmosphere prevailing in Kurram Agency, both imports and exports at the Customs Station of the later have been picked up.
According to Customs Collectorate, Peshawar, during the period from July 2015 to February 2016, the value of imports from Afghanistan via Kurram Agency has registered 100 per cent increase. The imports which were valuing Rs 3 billion during the corresponding year of the last financial year has reached to Rs 6 billion. Similarly, Pakistan goods worth Rs 28 billion were exported to Afghanistan during the period as against Rs 25 billion of the last year. Around 28,000 trucks carrying export cargo crossed over to Afghanistan during the period as against 25,000 trucks used last year.
The main export items included wheat flour, kitchen utensils, PVC pipe, electric cable and fitting etc worth Rs 4 billion. The main Customs Stations at Kurram Agency are Kharlachi, Burki and Shaheedano Dhand. Recently, a new customs station has been established at Terimingal adjourning Afghan province of Pakthia.