4 new routes approved for Afghan Transit Trade

PESHAWAR The Government has decided to set up more Customs check posts in four Agencies of FATA in the wake of finalisation of Afghan Transit Trade Agreement. According to Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) sources, new routes for facilitating trade with Central Asian Republics (CARs) have been notified after which new Customs check posts will be established. The new routes have been identified in Nawapas (Bajaur Agency), Angor Adda (South Waziristan Agency), Ghulam Khan (North Waziristan Agency) and Shaheedan Dhand (Kurram Agency). The recent closure of Torkham border in the wake of the decision taken by Pakistan to halt NATO supply route has inflicted damages on trade. Therefore the Government has decided to open up new routes to avoid any such situation in future, an official told on condition of anonymity. There are also unconfirmed reports that this has been done to ensure NATO supplies in future even if the regular route of these supplies i.e. Torkham border is closed due to protest. The construction of four new check posts in NWA, SWA, Bajaur and Kurram Agencies will be completed in December after which trade will be started to CARs from these routes apart from Torkham border. The monitoring teams constituted by FATA and FBR have also started inspection of new routes for ensuring security and smooth flow of trade convoys. TheNation has learnt that this decision of opening up new routes will ensure flow of supplies and goods through Pak-Afghan border in case Torkham border is closed.