Kabul, Jan. 23 (TNS): Pakistan has been refusing to allow dozens of trucks loaded with fruits from Afghanistan to cross into the neighboring country via Torkham border crossing, Afghan officials blamed on Tuesday.
Shakirullah Sapi, spokesman for the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), said around 60 trucks loaded with fresh fruits remained stranded on this side of the border in eastern Nangarhar province over the past eight days.
He said the issue had been conveyed to the Ministry of Commerce and Industries and the Presidential Palace.
He added the Afghan government should mobilize diplomatic channels to resolve the issue and called on Pakistani authorities not to create hurdles for Afghan traders.
Haji Imran Khan, a fresh fruit businessman, blamed the Pakistani government had always created hurdles for Afghan businessmen and traders.
Attaullah Khogyani, the governor‘s spokesman, said the issue had been shared with the central authority and efforts were being made on diplomatic front to resolve the problem.
In line with the Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) signed in July 2010, Afghan traders could deliver their goods till Gawader and Wagha borders.
Mohammad Bashir Dodyal, a Nangarhar University teacher, said the Pakistani move to stop Afghanistan fresh fruits export was against the Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA).
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Embassy in Kabul said the ban was not limited to Afghanistan only but Pakistan had banned exports of 800 items.
