ISLAMABAD: As importers of Pakistan feared losses of billions of rupees for closure of Pakistan China border, Pakistani embassy in China has requested Chinese authorities to keep the border opened till December 15 to avoid the huge losses to traders, as the stranded goods would not be able to be transported during the next 25 days due lack of required transports.
As per the protocol agreement signed by Pakistan and China, the border annually closes on November 30 to reopen on April 1 due to snowfall and freezing temperature in Sust Border areas.
Through a letter (No1- P/6/18/17) a copy of which is available with Pakistan Today, Pakistani embassy in China has requested Chinese ministry of transport and other authorities concerned to keep the border open till mid of next month to facilitate the importers on both sides to lift stranded goods on both sides of the border. The embassy said the urgent arrangement was needed to ensure smooth flow of stranded import cargo on Karakoram Highway (KKH) between Pakistan and China.
According to importers of Chinese goods, the closure of border at Sust Dry Port was to cause loss of billions of rupees as they would not be able to lift the already purchased goods in Kashgar. At the same time, a large quantity of dry fruits and perishable items being exported to China via the land route were also stranded at Khunjerab Pass in Pakistani side, due to non-availability of cargo vehicles/containers.
According to importers, only Chinese transporters are allowed to lift goods on both sides of the border. Since the available cargo vehicles are not enough to lift the stranded goods, they need more time to handle the cargo. The Sust Border being the highest paved international border at an altitude of 15,500 feet above the sea level remains open for import and export from April 1 to December 1, every year.
Talking to Pakistan Today, a leading importer at Sust Dry Port Muhammad Ali Quaid, said due to the shortage of Chinese containers, imported goods purchased by Pakistani traders in China were stranded in Kashgar and other adjoining cities of Xinjiang province. The stranded goods on both sides include fresh fruits, dry fruits, edible items, machinery for CPEC projects, electronics and garments etc. “If the goods are not delivered on time, it would lead to mass wastage and destruction of goods which would inflict billions of rupees loss to importers and exporters, he said.
Muhammad Ali Quaid who is also the president of Nagar Chamber of Commerce claimed the Chinese authorities were not issuing permits to their container drivers travelling between Pakistan and China for unknown reasons. He also appealed Government of Pakistan to take up the issue with the Chinese government to resolve the matter urgently.
