PESHAWAR: The imposition of Temporary Admission Documentation (TAD) for trucks at the Pak-Afghan border has led to significant delays in bilateral trade, resulting in long queues of goods-laden trucks on both sides of the border. This was highlighted by Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, Coordinator of the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI).
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, Sarhadi explained that previously, drivers of goods trucks were issued a Temporary Card (Route Pass) valid until July 31, 2024. However, Pakistani authorities set a deadline of July 15, 2024, for Afghan truck drivers to obtain the TAD. Simultaneously, Afghan authorities requested that Pakistani officials not allow Afghan trucks to cross the Torkham border without showing the TAD starting August 1.
Sarhadi noted that if an Afghan driver did not have the TAD, they should be allowed to cross the border by presenting a passport and valid visa. Despite this, the Afghan government closed the border on the night of August 1, leading to a buildup of trucks on both sides and causing severe congestion on the main Pak-Afghan communication route.
Sarhadi, who is also President of the Frontier Custom Agents Association (FCCA), suggested temporarily lifting the TAD, passport, and visa requirements to alleviate the backlog and boost Pak-Afghan trade, which is currently hampered by these policy decisions.
The TAD policy, introduced for one year, requires drivers to submit truck registration, an ID card, a picture, and a $100 fee. However, Sarhadi reported instances where drivers are asked to pay additional amounts for expedited TAD issuance. Moreover, goods in transit, previously exempt from TAD, are now also affected due to vehicle congestion and additional visa requirements.
Sarhadi also criticized the non-implementation of agreements from the Pak-Afghan trade talks held in March 2024. These agreements included reversing the 100% bank guarantee, lifting the ban on 212 items in the Pak-Afghan transit trade, and addressing processing fees and other conditions.
Due to these complications, a significant portion of transit trade has shifted from Karachi port to Chabahar and Bandar Abbas ports in Iran, resulting in job losses for thousands of customs clearing agents, shipping agents, border agents, laborers, transporters, and bonded carriers.
