PESHAWAR: The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday urged the Afghan government to ensure the immediate release of Pakistani trucks and containers seized in Khor Maidan area on the Afghan side of Torkham border.

SCCI president Faiz Mohammad Faizi told reporters here that the empty Pakistani containers and trucks held by the Afghan authorities adversely affected bilateral trade.

He said Pakistani traders and exporters were forced to pay Rs80,000-Rs90,000 per vehicle in Afghanistan in an ‘unjust and unfair’ move, so the Afghan government should ensure the early yet permanent resolution of the issue.

Mr Faizi said Pakistani trucks weren’t stopped in the area for the first time in Afghanistan as that happened few months ago as well causing huge losses to truckers and businesspersons.

He said the issue was resolved after the intervention of Pakistani government.

The SCCI president said the seizure of empty trucks and containers created problems not only Pakistan business community and exporters but also for Afghan traders and importers.

He appreciated the government over the 24/7 opening of Torkham border saying the initiative will boost Pakistani exports to and trade with Afghanistan and facilitate the business community of both countries.

Mr Faizi said businesspersons faced many difficulties due to restriction on the movement of empty trucks and containers. He urged both Kabul and Islamabad to intervene without delay for the release trucks and containers.

The SCCI president said the Afghan government should check corrupt practices on their soil otherwise trade volume between the two countries would reduce considerably.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2019