ISLAMABAD, Jan 15: The government is considering to set up customs posts at Pak-Afghan border to facilitate exporters and importers, a senior official told Dawn on Monday.

The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has been directed to select suitable sites for the proposed customs posts.

The CBR has also been asked to work out the requirements for the posts along with the staff required to carry out work in consultation with the NWFP government, the official added.

The project was initiated at the request of the top exporters to take active part in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

They were of the opinion that the establishment of the custom posts at the borders would facilitate their trade.

According to the official, the first post would be set up at Ghulam Khan in Miran Shah in South Waziristan some 36 km from Durand Line.

Through this post, the exporters would be able to export their goods, particularly cement, to Khost province of Afghanistan. Presently, exports to that province are being carried out through the Torkham, resulting in heavy freight charges.

Another custom post at Nawab Pass in Bajaur Agency is under consideration to export goods to Sadabad areas in Afghanistan.

A similar customs station may also be set up in Chitral at Arundo or Gobar situated in the south and north of Chitral, to cater to Kunar and Faizabad areas of Afghanistan.

The government after a feasibility study and survey would give final approval for the establishment of these posts, the source added.

Similarly, some Afghan importers have also formerly sent a request to the Pakistani government seeking the establishment of some new customs posts to cater to need of different areas of Afghanistan.

Tax experts said that these stations would also help in documenting the trade with Afghanistan.

Presently, most of the goods were smuggled to Peshawar and other cities of the country through the porous border between the two countries.

However, they say, it would help control the illegal trade and smuggling taking place across the sprawling border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Official figures showed that the official trade stood at $34 million from January to December 2001 between Afghanistan and Pakistan as against Rs20 million trade done during the corresponding period last year, an increase of 70 per cent.

Moreover, the government had recently allowed 32 items exports at zero rate of duty to Afghanistan to kick-start the rebuilding of war ravaged Afghanistan.