Pakistan’s recent restrictions on the transfer of goods have raised concerns among Afghan traders and freight forwarders in China. These restrictions have led to a substantial trade challenge, with 8,700 containers carrying commercial goods coming to a halt at the Karachi port.
According to these businessmen, Pakistan imposes a fine of $200 for each container, resulting in significant financial losses for them.
“If the containers are not allowed, we have no choice; we either go to the United Nations or the European Union to solve the issue,” Khan Agha Gulzad, head of the Afghan Merchants Union in China, said.
Meanwhile, Afghan traders have called upon the Taliban administration to address the issue diplomatically.
“We respectfully request the current administration of Afghanistan to resolve the issue via diplomatic and understanding means. [If it doesn’t happen] this is a very economic blow to Afghanistan’s national businessmen and people,” Zabihullah, a member of the Afghan Merchants Union in China, said.
Furthermore, officials representing the Afghanistan-Pakistan joint chamber have expressed concern over imposing restrictions and creating barriers to transit goods. They argue that such actions counter established principles and commercial laws, emphasizing that such practices should be avoided to maintain smooth trade relations between the two countries.
Concurrently, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) has proactively addressed the challenges posed by goods in transit with Pakistan. Recognizing the importance of resolving these issues promptly, the MoIC actively works to find solutions.
“Unfortunately, what Pakistan is doing is against all international laws. Therefore, we work on alternative ways and reach the goal we have set for ourselves,” Abdulsalam Jawad Akhundzada, a spokesman for MoIC, said.
