PESHAWAR: The Customs Stations at Parachinar still await the order to reopen the border for trade with Afghanistan after the closure announced by the Government of Pakistan.
The sources at custom station Parachinar informed the scribe on Tuesday about the closure of the trade activities between Pakistan and Afghanistan through the gate of Kurram agency at Parachinar station.
There has been zero trade activity on this route for almost 35 days due to which collections have dropped in the month of March 2017 as compared to the collections of March 2016, sources added. The people of Kurram agency, Bannu and Kohat still await the order to reopen the Parachinar border for trade activities.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has ordered the opening of borders for trade purposes as it incurs a loss to the total collections of the Model Customs Collectorates.
The imports through Parachinar include fruits, cloths, coal and other goods like salt, sugar, grains and cement are exported through the Parachinar route to Afghanistan.
The customs stations have a role in seizing smuggling of goods and drugs at Parachinar suburbs’ custom stations and the dry port Kohat where a warehouse has been established for storing of goods.
The closure of border has created a serious problem for the survival of business community in Khurram Agency and suburbs.
There has been 20 percent difference in the collection of duties by Model Customs Collectorates Peshawar during March 2017 and March2016. How can revenue be collected when there are zero trade activities?
When former Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao was asked about the dismal situation on Pakistan-Afghanistan border, he answered that the governments of both sides should find out a permanent solution for border management as only trade can ensure peace in both countries.
