Dozens of Pakistani truck drivers transporting items to Afghanistan are caught for weeks at main border crossings, victims of an escalating standoff between Pakistan and Afghanistan that has crippled regional commerce.
The closure of important commerce routes has left tons of of automobiles parked at crossing factors, the place drivers, disadvantaged of meals, cash, and shelter, wrestle to outlive in dire circumstances, as reported by The Categorical Tribune.
In keeping with The Categorical Tribune, exporters and logistics companies stated the suspension of cross-border operations has just about frozen the motion of Pakistani kinnow exports and different shipments headed to Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asian nations.
The border closures, in place since October 11, adopted heavy clashes between Pakistani and Afghan forces, probably the most critical because the Taliban regained energy in 2021 after Islamabad accused Kabul of failing to curb militants working from its territory.
Junaid Makda, president of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, acknowledged that kinnow exporters, freight handlers, and logistics companies have been hit hardest, with perishable items rotting at border factors.
He stated the commerce shutdown has come at a vital time when kinnow exports often attain their seasonal excessive, creating monetary misery throughout the availability chain from farmers to transporters.
Makda additionally criticised the State Financial institution of Pakistan for turning down a proposal to exempt kinnow exports to Iran and Central Asian markets routed by means of Iran from advanced monetary necessities, as reported by The Categorical Tribune.
Pakistan exported kinnows price USD 110 million final yr. Nonetheless, this yr’s earnings are anticipated to drop to USD 100 million because of the ongoing disaster. Hundreds of containers carrying bilateral and regional cargo stay stranded throughout Pakistan, with merchants and clearing brokers going through day by day demurrage prices of USD 150-200 per container. Makda urged authorities to instantly waive these penalties, warning that small companies and exporters are on the point of collapse, as reported by The Categorical Tribune.