QUETTA: The Common Border Market (Bazarcha) was established adjacent to Border Pillar 73, Pak-lran Border on 30 acres of land. The 30 acres of land has been purchased by Pakistan Customs from the Provincial Government.
However, the infrastructure which includes, Water Boring, electricity connection, leveling of yard, weighbridge and entry/exit gates, have been built on the land by the Chamber of Commerce & Industries, Quetta (QCCI).
The initiation of the cross border trade operations through Bazarcha remained suspended since July, 2021.
As regards opening of Bazarcha, no formal intimation has been received from the Board. However, the General Manager, NLC Dry port Quetta has intimated that trial operations under the joint venture with QCCI are scheduled to start with effect 8th April, 2023 followed by formal inauguration / operationalization later on.
Since the new Bazarcha will be functioning as a proper Border Terminal, it is imperative that following requirements may be met before the trial run kick starts:
• a. Building and infrastructure as required under rule 554(2) of the Customs Rules, 2001.
• b. Examination and scanning facilities in terms of rule 554(3) of the Customs Rules, 2001.
• c. Secure environment as required under rule 554(4) of the Customs Rules, 2001.
• d. Net connectivity & WeBOC configuration.
• e. Issues pertaining to immigration/FIA.
During the course of on-ground visit by the Chief Collector (Balochistan) Muhammad Saleem and the Collector Appraisement Quetta Agha Saeed at Bazarcha on 3rd April, 2023, it was observed that except for the weigh bridge and two rooms, no other structures and facilities were in place, which is the responsibility of the QCCI and need to be installed prior to initiation of trade operations.
Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Saleem said trade between Pakistan and Iran is very important and authorities would not tolerate any sort of hurdles affecting Pak-Iran trade relations. He also held meeting with the business community and assured them of all facilitation of legitimate trade.
Besides, it has been conveyed informally that 5 items have been selected for import at Bazarcha namely clinker, cement, iron & steel scrap, tiles and fresh commodities. However, this is to be notified by the Board.
As regards the WeBOC configuration at Bazarcha, the connectivity is reported to be established in next few days.
Since the stakeholders like FC, FIA are not officially onboard and the afore-mentioned pre-requisites have not yet been taken into consideration, it would be appropriate if the Terminal Operators (NLC and QCCI) may fulfil all the above-stated requirements prior to trial-run of Bazarcha for conduct of smooth and seamless trade operations as per the law, a notification said.
Board will take up the matter with NLC HQ for better coordination in terms of provision of necessary arrangements / pre-requisites at Bazarcha prior to the trial-run/soft opening coupled with notifying the items to be imported.