KHYBER: Pakistani customs officials posted at Torkham border on Thursday demanded of the Afghan government to reduce the huge export duty imposed on coal imported by Pakistan in recent months.

The Border Management Committee, which included officials of Pakistan and Afghanistan, met at Torkham border to discuss efforts for boosting bilateral trade between the two countries.

Sources said the Pakistani officials reminded their Afghan counterparts that Pakistan had recently withdrawn import duty on tomato and onion and demanded of the Afghan government to follow suit by reducing duties on coal export.

The Afghan officials were urged to make the import of coal from Afghanistan easier for the Pakistani businessmen.

Participants of the meeting expressed satisfaction over increase in number of vehicles crossing the border daily from 500 to current 1,200 and pledged to increase the same to 2,000 in coming months to expedite bilateral trade.

The Afghan officials in return asked the Pakistani customs officials to expedite clearance of vehicles loaded with fresh fruit as scores of such vehicles were waiting on the Afghan side amid hot weather.

The sources said the Afghan officials were asked to make declaration of goods certificate mandatory for export of Afghan apple to Pakistan. They said Pakistani officials agreed to facilitate clearance of Afghan transit goods at nighttime by deputing staff for the purpose.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2022