PESHAWAR: The Federal Ministry of Commerce (MoC) has greenlit the use of Temporary Admission Documents (TAD) for Pak-Afghan trade. Effective from May 1st, 2024, this move comes as a bid to smoothen trade operations between the two nations.
Arbab Qaisar Hamid, Director of Transit Trade at Peshawar’s Custom House, unveiled this decision during a meeting with Transport Operators (TOs), Chambers of Commerce, and Customs Agent Associations of KPK. This development was revealed in a press release issued on Saturday.
The gathering saw the presence of key figures including Ziaul-Haq Sarhadi, President of Frontier Customs Agent Association, KPK, and Qadir Ullah, President of Chamber of Commerce, North Waziristan, among others.
According to Arbab Qaisar, the Ministry’s decision stems from consultations with Pakistani and Afghan traders, transporters, and stakeholders. He emphasized the significance of TAD in facilitating bilateral trade.
Highlighting a common hurdle, he noted that often, drivers lack passports or visas, impeding trade flow. To address this, measures have been taken, including the establishment of help desks at Customs House and all Border crossing Points (BCPs) of KPK.
Furthermore, a streamlined registration process for Transport Operators (TOs) has been introduced, along with a public notice outlining the required documents for registration.
It’s estimated that approximately 6000 Afghan and 9000 Pakistani registered vehicles are involved in bilateral trade transportation. The implementation of TAD aims to enhance efficiency and simplify procedures, ultimately fostering increased trade between the two nations.
To ensure smooth implementation, the Directorate of Transit Trade, Peshawar, has committed to round-the-clock availability for addressing queries regarding TAD registration.
Ziaul-Haq Sarhadi, in expressing gratitude, hailed the Ministry’s decision, highlighting its potential to alleviate trade-related challenges faced by businesses engaged in Pak-Afghan trade. He stressed the importance of such initiatives in promoting bilateral trade and easing business operations.