FPCCI hails Pak-Afghan border opening for trade

KARACHI: Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has welcomed the opening of the Pak-Afghan border to facilitate the business community of both sides.

In a joint statement, President Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Anjum Nisar, Former President FPCCI and General Secretary of Businessmen Panel, Haji Ghulam Ali and others said the decision will give impetus to commercial activity in the region.

Anjum Nisar said that the opening of the Pak-Afghan border is a strategic step of the government of Pakistan to facilitate the business community of both sides.

On Friday, the government has announced the opening of the Pak-Afghan border at Torkhem and Chaman posts round the clock for six days per week.

According to a notification issued by Ministry of Interior, both the borders will remain open 24/7 for six days except from Saturday which will be reserved for the pedestrian move only as per procedure already in vogue.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), as applicable for air passengers, will be implemented for pedestrians as well, adds the notification.

During six days when the border will be open, the unlimited number of trucks will be permitted to cross per day while ensuring proper SOPs and guidelines for both Afghan Bilateral Trade and Afghan Transit Trade.

Decision about the opening of the border was taken in the meeting of the National Command and Operation Center, the notification read.