LANDI KOTAL: Exports to Afghanistan via Torkham border resumed on Thursday when the protesting clearing agents ended their strike after successful negotiations with the relevant government officials.
Nearly 1,200 registered clearing agents had suspended clearing of all types of goods to Afghanistan on Tuesday at Torkham when the customs officials started clearing of fresh fruits and vegetables at the newly-established National Logistic Cell terminal in Jamrud.
The clearing agents accused the customs department and NLC of forcing the transporters carrying fresh fruits and vegetables to Afghanistan to clear their vehicles at Jamrud instead of Torkham.
However, officials of the Khyber Agency political administration assured the clearing agents that no one would be forced to use only Jamrud terminal for clearance of fruits and vegetables and the choice would be with the clearing agents.
The clearing agents ended their strike and nearly 1,500 vehicles stranded at the border crossed over to Afghanistan after necessary clearance from custom offices at Torkham. Most of the vehicles were loaded with edible items, including chicken, frozen fish and meat, fresh fruits and vegetables besides construction material and fuel.
Hundreds of vehicles stranded on the Afghan side were also allowed to cross over to Pakistan as they were earlier barred by the Afghan authorities after a request by their Pakistani counterparts.
http://www.dawn.com/news/1237537/trade-through-torkham-resume
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