Reopening of entry point at Taftan border sought

Published August 1, 2021
According to official sources, the Bazarcha entry point was closed on Friday by the Pakistan Customs authorities after receiving instructions from the high-ups. — DawnNewsTV/File
According to official sources, the Bazarcha entry point was closed on Friday by the Pakistan Customs authorities after receiving instructions from the high-ups. — DawnNewsTV/File

TAFTAN: Local traders, customs clearing agents and representatives of various political parties have called for immediate reopening of the entry point on the border with Iran at Taftan, a town in Chagai district.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Anjuman Tajran president Amanullah Mohammad Hasni, Shoukat Essazai, Abdul Raheem Khilji, Ali Khan Essazai and others denounced closure of the Bazarcha entry point.

According to official sources, the Bazarcha entry point was closed on Friday by the Pakistan Customs authorities after receiving instructions from the high-ups.

“The goods imported to Bazarcha were being transported to NLC port from Immigration Gate,” the sources added.

The traders and customs agents said that despite announcing reopening of new border entry points for trade, the authorities at Taftan had been closing entry points one by one.

“The tax-free trade gate Zero Point has been closed for four months while the travelling gate has also been closed since February last year. Thousands of workers have become unemployed due to the closure of Zero Point and Bazarcha entry point,” they lamented.

They said a majority of residents of Taftan and surrounding areas were dependent on border trade and urged the government to create more opportunities for them instead of closing the existing entry points.

They announced to stage a protest rally on August 2 (Monday), block highways and observe a shutter-down strike if Zero Point and Bazarcha entry point were not reopened.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2021

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....