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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to allow the free movement of trucks between the two countries from March 21, Commerce Adviser Abdul Razak Dawood announced on Tuesday.
The move, aimed at improving regional connectivity with Central Asian states, envisages the provision of temporary admission documents (TAD) to transporters from both sides.
As part of the agreement, Afghan transporters can obtain TAD from the Pakistan embassy in Kabul and its consulate in Kandahar, while transporters on the Pakistan side can obtain the same from Afghan consulates in Peshawar and Quetta.
“We have finally done it. Historical development on regional connectivity front,” Mr Dawood tweeted on Tuesday.
He said both countries will allow free movement of each other’s trucks between the two countries and cross stuffing of goods at border points.
“This is a historic development and will go a long way in enhancing our connectivity and trade relations with Afghanistan, Central Asia and beyond,” the adviser said.
Last week, senior officials of Pakistan and Afghanistan met at the Torkham border to discuss the smooth flow of trade and pedestrians, largely as part of a scheme aimed at enhancing bilateral ties with the landlocked country.
A high-level Pakistani delegation, led by Mr Dawood and consisting of senior bureaucrats from relevant departments, met their Afghan counterpart.
Since Aug 15, 2021, when the Taliban took over and declared their rule over Afghanistan, Islamabad has offered Kabul — among other humanitarian assistance — waivers of duty and taxes on fresh and dry fruits, vegetables and several other products.
During their last meeting, both sides agreed that the competent authority of one contracting party will issue a TAD against a fee to the vehicles registered and licensed in the territory of the other contracting party for international carriage of goods.
Both sides agreed also that a TAD would be valid for six months and multiple journeys, while its fee was fixed at $100.
Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2022
