By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
ISLAMABAD: Importers, exporters, customs clearing agents, transporters, traders and local representatives associated with the Torkham border on Tuesday urged the government to immediately reopen the Torkham border for all commercial activities, release pending tax refunds, compensate businesses for damaged properties, and announce a special relief package for the affected business community.
Addressing a joint press conference at the National Press Club in Islamabad, Customs Clearing Agents Association President Mujeeb Shinwari, former MPA Shafiq Sher Afridi, former association president Emal Khan Shinwari, presidential adviser Abu Bakar Afridi, Vice President Umar Shinwari, Finance Secretary Rafiq Shinwari, Press Secretary Rizwanullah Shinwari, senior customs clearing agent Shah Jehan Shinwari, Zahidullah Shinwari, Ayaz Shinwari, Transport President Azeemullah Shinwari and Transport Secretary Saqlain Shinwari said the border closure for nearly 10 to 11 months has pushed the economy of border areas into a severe crisis.
They said the people of Khyber and Torkham rely almost entirely on cross-border trade for their livelihoods, as the region lacks major industries and sufficient agricultural opportunities.
Thousands of traders, transporters, labourers, and customs clearing agents have suffered heavy financial losses due to the prolonged closure.
The speakers stressed that trade should remain separate from politics and called for the uninterrupted restoration of cross-border commerce. They noted that Pakistani traders have billions of rupees tied up in Afghan markets, and these funds cannot be recovered until trade resumes.
They also highlighted that import and export offices and other infrastructure at the Zero Point were badly damaged during recent border tensions, but affected businesses have yet to receive compensation.
They urged the government to conduct an immediate survey of damaged properties and provide financial compensation.
The traders called on the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Ministry of Commerce to immediately release pending tax refunds to help businesses cope with the ongoing financial crisis. They also demanded a special relief package for traders affected by the border closure.
The speakers said that despite the establishment of a modern terminal at Torkham by the National Logistics Corporation (NLC) with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), commercial activity has nearly come to a standstill, with only the repatriation of Afghan refugees currently taking place through the crossing. They further alleged that additional fees are being imposed, adding to traders’ difficulties.
According to traders, the disruption of cross-border trade has affected not only Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but also industries across Punjab, Sindh and other parts of Pakistan. Exports of rice, cement, pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, fruits, vegetables and other goods have been severely impacted, while the government was also losing billions of rupees in customs duties and tax revenues.
The traders warned that if the situation continues, unemployment, poverty and social problems would worsen, increasing the risk of young people turning to unlawful activities.
They appealed to the federal and provincial governments, the Ministry of Commerce, the FBR, security institutions and other relevant authorities to urgently restore border trade, compensate losses, release pending tax refunds and announce a comprehensive relief package to prevent further economic decline in the border region.
