Syed Kaleem Shah: QUETTA: To bolster trade between Pakistan and Iran, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued an order to keep the Pakistan-Iran Trade Gate at Taftan open 24 hours a day for freight vehicles. The directive, signed by Additional Collector Muhammad Shoaib Qazi, mandates the round-the-clock operation.
The Collectorate of Customs Enforcement Quetta, along with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Chief Collector of Customs, Assistant Collectors, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Quetta Balochistan, have been instructed to implement the necessary measures for this transition.
Leaders from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Quetta Balochistan, including President Haji Abdullah Achakzai, Senior Vice President Haji Agha Gul Khilji, and Vice President Syed Abdul Ahad Agha, expressed their satisfaction and joy over this development. They emphasized that the continuous operation of the trade gate fulfills a long-standing demand from trade professionals and transporters, which is expected to significantly enhance the movement of fresh produce and other goods, reducing spoilage and delays.
This change is anticipated to streamline the bilateral trade process, ensuring uninterrupted movement of cargo vehicles. Previously, the gate’s limited hours caused significant congestion, delaying vehicle clearance for weeks and adversely impacting legitimate trade. The Chamber had persistently advocated for this change during annual meetings of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Trade Committee and other forums.
With the 24/7 operation of the Taftan trade gate, both countries are expected to see a positive impact on their import and export sectors, helping to meet trade goals and strengthening economic ties between the two Islamic nations.
