By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi
TORKHAM BORDER: A meeting focused on border management was convened at the Pak-Afghan Torkham border customs compound, presided over by Additional Collector Muhammad Shakir. This gathering brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including Colonel Rana from the Frontier Corps (FC), Customs Assistant Collector Umar Jan, and representatives from the FC, National Logistics Cell (NLC), and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Prominent figures such as Superintendent Siddique Akbar, Yousaf Afridi, President of the Khyber Chamber of Commerce, Mujib Shinwari, President of the Torkham Customs Agents Association, Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi from the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce, and Azimullah, President of the Transport Union, also participated. The discussions centered on several key issues, primarily focusing on enhancing bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The participants examined various customs challenges, the difficulties faced by laborers, and the concerns of the general public regarding cross-border trade. Additional Collector Muhammad Shakir reiterated the commitment of customs officials to prioritize the resolution of traders’ issues. He assured customs agents that their grievances would be addressed swiftly and effectively. In his address, Shakir emphasized the goal of maximizing both imports and exports while providing timely assistance to traders.
This approach aims to promote robust trade relations between the two countries, ultimately increasing the annual business volume and easing the operational burdens on laborers, all while ensuring compliance with established regulations. The meeting underscored a collective commitment to facilitating smoother trade processes and fostering economic growth in the region, reflecting the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders in managing cross-border commerce effectively.
