KHYBER: Torkham Customs Clearing Agents Association President Mujeeb Shinwari has asked the government to take immediate steps for the return of cargo vehicles from Afghanistan without any certificate of origin.
According to the details, Torkham Customs Clearing Agents Association President Mujeeb Shinwari has written a request to the authorities regarding the return of the loaded vehicles in Afghanistan due to the unavailability of the Certificate of Origin (COO), in which he has expressed concern about the long stoppage of more than 300 vehicles loaded with mineral coal at the Pak-Afghan Torkham border and requested the Customs Collector to draw his attention to the solution in this matter.
For the last two weeks, these vehicles have been parked due to the unavailability of the Certificate of Origin (COO) from the Afghan authorities. Despite continuous follow-ups and appeals, there has been no effective solution or cooperation from either the Afghan or Pakistani side to facilitate the clearance of these consignments.
This has resulted in economic losses to traders and transporters. Logistical hurdles are plaguing transporters, traders and customs agents involved in the trade. In light of the continued inaction and absence of any viable solution, the Customs Agents Association and the Transport Association have jointly and unanimously decided to allow all vehicles loaded from Afghanistan to return and resolve the issue by traditionally clearing them.
It is important to mention that for the past several weeks, vehicles loaded with coal have been stuck at the Torkham border due to a lack of origin certificate, which is causing losses to traders and transporters. Regarding which, the Torkham Customs Clearing Agents Association had informed the concerned authorities, but the issue has not been resolved yet.
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