The Azhakhel dry port is still not working properly

PESHAWAR:

Traders have complained that exporters of goods are forced to send their consignments through private trucks by paying additional fares, which puts a heavy financial burden on them.

A delegation of businessmen from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa called on the newly appointed Collector Customs Appraiser Amjadur Rehman for a discussion on issues creating obstacles in the way of trade in the region.

The seven-member delegation was headed by Border Customs Union President Ziaul Haq Sarhandi, according to a statement issued on Friday. Speaking on the occasion, Sarhadi, who is also the coordinator of the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the issues related to trade, imports and exports from border posts including Torkham, Ghulam Khan, Kharlachi, Angoor Ada, Peshawar dry. port and airport.

He pointed out that the Azhakhel dry port is not functioning smoothly and the transportation of export goods through rail link has almost stopped. In this situation, the exporters used to send their consignments through private trucks paying extra freight for transportation.

Sarhadi complained that the Azhakhel dry port, which was inaugurated with much fanfare four years ago, could not function properly so far.

At the time of its inauguration, he recalled, the then Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that a special cargo train would also be launched from Azhakhel running between Karachi and Peshawar.

Reading PSW services extended to dry ports

Responding to the traders’ statements, the collecting customs expressed hope that it would be able to resolve the issues faced by the customs brokers and the business community. He assured them that they will take up the Azhakhel dry port issue with Pakistan Railways.

“I belong to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and fully understand the problems faced by the business community of the province,” he remarked.

Agreeing to the suggestions made during the meeting, the customs collectors emphasized that their ideas will be given due consideration to promote trade and commerce in the region.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd 2023.

Like Businesses on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay updated and join the conversation.