September 23, 2020
The Government of Pakistan, in yet another concrete move to strengthen the bilateral relations between Islamabad and Kabul, has opened a Customs Station at Angoor Adda border crossing in South Waziristan. Trade through this border station will commence from September 23, 2020. All essential infrastructural and administrative arrangements have already been completed at this crossing point, under the supervision of Advisor to PM Arbab Shahzad. The upgradation of Customs station at Angoor Adda was notified in 2004 but owing to security concerns it could not be operationalized in time.
The current government is committed to promote bilateral and transit trade with Afghanistan and the opening up of Customs station at the Angoor Adda crossing is a strong evidence of promoting trade. This would aid in regulating the formal trade and prevent smuggling through this crossing point.
Moreover, the recent actions and initiatives of the sitting government as well as the parliamentarians depict a grand political consensus on the need for creating “ease of doing business for Afghan importers” and also showcase their determination to resolve lingering problems associated with Pak-Afghan trade.
The Government of Pakistan has taken the following concrete steps to facilitate the bilateral and transit trade with Afghanistan which will eventually strengthen the country’s economic situation.
- The Government is going to replace one-time entry visa with a long term 6 months multiple entry visa.
- Business stakeholders and students will be eligible for 3-5 years long term visa
- Health Visa will be issued at the border – starting initially from Torkham and will be applicable at all crossing points soon
- The Government has expedited the scanning/clearance of the Afghan transit cargo. Currently around 350 transit containers are passing through Torkham.
- The Ministry of Commerce has decided to revisit the policy of stamping all good items of the transit containers destined for Afghanistan.
- The National Bank of Pakistan will open its branch at the Ghulam Khan border and Bank of Khyber at Angoor Adda. These branches will be operational 24/7 in order to support the transit trade.
- Government of Pakistan has decided to open trade markets/ bazars at the border crossing points along with Afghanistan. Such initiatives will aid in boosting the trading relationship between both countries and will provide ample opportunities of livelihoods to the local population living at the borders.
© Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) and Afghan Studies Center (ASC), Islamabad.
