KHYBER: The quantum of bilateral trade with Afghanistan via Torkahm has been increasing owing to some corrective measures and relaxation introduced by the federal government in the recent past.

Custom Collector Amjad Rehman told journalists on Thursday that a record amount of $3.2 million was deposited at the national exchequer during the last three months as import and export activities at the Torkham border showed positive trends during the same period.

He said that Pakistani goods worth $161 million were exported to Afghanistan during the last three months as the federal government relaxed procedures for local exporters.

Mr Rehman said that a total of 18,866 vehicles loaded with export goods had crossed over to Afghanistan while at least 26,772 vehicles with import goods from Afghanistan had come to Pakistan via Torkham border since August.

He expressed the hope that completion of a modern customs terminal, which was in its final stages, would further boost bilateral trade with Afghanistan. He said that federal government was also seriously considering signing of transit trade treaties with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in near future.

DRUGS SEIZED: Police in Landi Kotal seized a large quantity of illegal drugs during a raid on a house on Wednesday night.

SHO Akbar Khan said that they recovered 30 kilograms of heroin, 11 kilograms of methane ice, 1,500 grams of illegal chemicals used in manufacturing heroin, 1200 ecstasy pills from a house in Sheikhmalkhel area and arrested two brothers identified as Shahid Khan and Saifullah.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2022