Karachi: The Government of Pakistan has officially permitted the re-export of Afghan Transit Trade consignments that had been stranded at border stations due to the closure of crossings amid disputes between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
According to directives issued by the Ministry of Commerce and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), traders and clearing agents can now move their cargo back to Karachi ports for onward re-export. The consignments had been stuck at Chaman and Torkham border stations, creating significant delays for exporters and logistics companies.
Key Instructions for Re-Export:
– Exporters or their accredited clearing agents must apply within a week, submitting details such as GD numbers, container and vehicle information, description of goods, weight, and current location.
– Cargo will be transported by authorized bonded carriers equipped with tracking and monitoring devices to ensure secure movement from border stations to Karachi Port and Port Qasim.
– Transit staff at Chaman and Peshawar will verify the integrity of seals and trackers before dispatch.
– The Directorate of Transit Trade in Quetta and Peshawar will issue letters confirming consignment details to Karachi authorities and port officials.
– Safe transportation reconciliation will be completed by the respective directorates to ensure accountability.
This move provides relief to logistics companies and bonded carriers, including Jalat Khan & Co., SAZ Logistics, Faisal Movers Logistic, Lucky Diamond Pvt Ltd, Pak Afghan Cargo Services, and several others listed in the official notification. These firms had faced operational and financial challenges due to the prolonged border closure.
The consignments were stranded after Pakistan closed border crossings with Afghanistan following a bilateral dispute. With the reopening for re-export, traders now have a clear pathway to move goods back to Karachi for international shipment, restoring confidence in the transit trade system.