MWM Leader Hameed Turi Meets Ministry of Commerce; Agreement Reached on Immediate Resolution of Border Trade Issues

Shiite News: Majlis-e-Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen (MWM) Pakistan’s Parliamentary Leader and Member of National Assembly, Engineer Hameed Hussain Turi, along with a delegation comprising Pakistan Borders Trade Council Chairman Syed Jawad Hussain, Haji Qadeerullah Wazir, and Syed Ali Hamad Kazmi, held an important meeting with Senior Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Ms. Maria Qazi.
The meeting discussed in detail the problems faced by drivers and cleaners of export vehicles at Kharlachi, Ghulam Khan, and Torkham borders, particularly concerning the issuance and delays in TAD/ODR documents.
The delegation highlighted that delays in visa and verification processes for nearly 8,000 Afghan drivers and cleaners were negatively affecting exports and increasing logistic costs.
They proposed a one-window operation, fast-track facilities, and joint SOPs between the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Interior, FBR/Customs, and FIA.
Ms. Maria Qazi endorsed the delegation’s concerns and assured that the Ministry of Commerce would coordinate with relevant institutions to take immediate and effective steps. It was also agreed to extend the interim grace period for TAD document renewal by three months.
MNA Engineer Hameed Hussain Turi thanked the Ministry for its timely cooperation, emphasizing that the aim was to reduce trade barriers while maintaining security requirements and ensuring continuity of exports. Ms. Qazi reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to inter-agency coordination and structural facilitation for a permanent solution to these issues.
Turi also stressed the need for urgent measures to promote local free trade at the Kharlachi border, so that border communities and the local economy could benefit.