ISLAMABAD, June 23 (NNN-APP) – Pakistan received the first export from Afghanistan on Monday, via three major border points, after nearly three months, since bilateral border closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan, Atif Mashal, confirmed that, trucks carrying fresh fruit and vegetables entered Pakistan via the Torkham and Chaman crossings with Afghanistan, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, as well as, Ghulam Khan crossing in North Waziristan tribal district.
A Pakistani border official in North Waziristan, Ghani-ur-Rehman told reporters, proper standard operating procedures (SOP’s) were adopted during the cross-border trade, in view of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Foreign Ministry of Pakistan said, trade will be in operation for six days a week, while Saturdays will be reserved for pedestrian movement on these border crossing terminals. These steps are being taken after implementing all necessary protocols related to COVID-19 pandemic.
A foreign ministry statement said last week that Pakistan had earlier opened its two border terminals at Torkham and Chaman for transit trade and exports to Afghanistan on the request of Afghanistan and humanitarian consideration for sustenance of the fraternal people of Afghanistan.
It said the opening of the border crossing terminal and allowing imports from Afghanistan reflects Pakistan’s resolve to help Afghanistan and facilitate its trade.
Pakistan is a major trading partner of Afghanistan and the largest market for Afghan exports, the statement said, adding, the opening of Gwadar port in southwest Balochistan province for Afghanistan’s export and import has further strengthened trade linkages between the two countries.
Pakistan and landlocked Afghanistan signed a transit trade agreement in 1965, and the agreement was revised in 2010. Afghan traders have also been allowed to import goods via the Gwadar port, besides using ports in Karachi, the commercial hub of Pakistan.– NNN-APP
