BCCI halts trade at Pak-Iran, Afghan borders against Customs Intelligence
Commerce Reporter :
Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI) has halted trade activities at Pak-Iran and Pak-Afghan borders as a protest against the Customs Intelligence. For the last four days, trade activities at the two borders remained suspended on the call of the chamber of commerce.
“Customs intelligence remains an obstacle in the way of legal trade”, Fida Hussain Dashti, the President BCCI said. He said the Customs intelligence has started registration of outdated cases against the business community.
No immediate response from the customs intelligence
There was no immediate response from the Customs intelligence with regard to the accusations of BCCI. However, sources within the customs intelligence said that there were outstanding Rs.6 billion against the business community. Although, the business community said all trucks were allowed by customs after payment of taxes. “If less tax was paid it was the fault of customs, not businessmen”, Amjad Siddiqui, the Vice President BCCI stated.
Hundreds of trucks carrying goods were parked in Quetta and borders as a protest against the government.
“We will intensify our protest if the government failed to address our concerns”, Mr. Dashti said. He said the government was not serious in addressing the concerns of the traders’ community.
Daily over 200 trucks move at the Pak-Afghan and Iran borders
On a daily basis, more than 200 trucks loaded with goods move at the two borders. The job of over 5,000 people is linked with legal border trade. “This is an injustice with our people”, Amjad Siddiqui, the Vice-President BCCI said. Mr. Siddiqui said the provincial and federal governments have to take practical steps to address the grievances of the business community.
The business community has demanded of the federal government to launch an action against the elements within the customs intelligence.
