LANDI KOTAL: The export of Pakistani goods to Afghanistan via Torkham border was suspended on Monday as local agents refused to follow the computerised procedure of custom clearance.

Hundreds of vehicles loaded with cement, sugar, wheat flour, fruits and vegetables along with goods taken to Afghanistan under the Afghan Transit Trade Agreement were stranded both at the border and along the Peshawar-Torkham Highway at various locations. Custom clearing agents at Torkham told Dawn that the Web-Based One Custom (WeBOC) mechanism introduced by officials for both import and export purposes was cumbersome and time consuming for them in the absence of a reliable internet service and regular supply of electricity.

They said that most of their staffers too were neither trained about the WeBOC system nor were they accustomed with it due to lack of adequate facilities.

Hayatullah Shinwari, president of Torkham Clearing Agents Association, said that their association was not averse to introduction of new technology as it would enhance their exports to Afghanistan, but the authorities failed to accept their demands about provision of the latest facilities.

He said that the association approached Customs collector in Peshawar, political administration and security officials in Torkham to address their grievances but to no avail. Mr Shinwari said that the association was not averse to adopting new computerised system but insisted that the Customs offices at Torkham were not adequately equipped with such facilities.

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2018