KHYBER: World Peace Jirga (WPJ) has demanded removal of undue restrictions on bilateral trade with Afghanistan via the Torkham border and relaxation in cross-border movement between the two neighbouring countries.

The WPJ chairman Khan Baba presided over a meeting of traders, transporters, custom clearing agents and other stakeholders at the Landi Kotal Jirga Hall, here on Wednesday. The meeting discussed matters related to bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan with special focus on recommending practical improvements for the smooth flow of trade and transport.

Speaking on the occasion, Khan Baba urged the concerned authorities to facilitate custom clearing agents in speedy clearance of trade goods along with provision of modern facilities at the National Logistic Cell’s customs terminal.

He called upon the federal government to review and reduce the federal taxes on import and export items to expedite the bilateral trade between the two countries in due course of time.

The WPJ chief also demanded relaxation in visa policy in order to clear the backlog of the stranded empty vehicles on both sides of the border due to strict implementation of temporary admission document, introduced by both countries in March for transporters without legal travel documents.

Meanwhile, a group of daily wagers and porters held a protest demonstration at the Torkham border on Wednesday against the ill treatment by the officials of different government departments at the border.

Holding black flags in their hands, the protesters contended that they were facing great hardships due to strict restrictions on their cross-border movement despite having legal travel documents.

They threatened to observe a black day on August 14 if their issues were not resolved by the concerned authorities.

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2024