Representatives from the Quetta Chamber of Commerce outlined several challenges faced by local businesses conducting trade with Iran and Afghanistan during a meeting with the Senate Standing Committee on Finance.Â
The group emphasized the imbalance in trade, noting that while Pakistan imports hundreds of items from Iran, it exports only 10 products to the neighboring country.
Quetta Chamber president Muhammad Ayub Mariani, along with senior members Haji Akhtar Kakar and engineer Mir Wais Khan, explained that despite their repeated discussions with Iranian and Afghan officials, trade has been hindered by bureaucratic issues. One significant problem highlighted was the requirement of the Electronic Import Form (EIF), which has caused delays, with Pakistani trucks being held up in Iran for up to 20 days.
The businessmen also raised concerns about rising visa and attestation fees, which further complicate trade. They discussed the Joint Economic Forum and Joint Border Trade Committee with Iran, noting that recommendations made by both bodies had yet to be acted upon.
The committee heard complaints about the reopening and closing of borders such as Badini, the lack of activity in border markets, and the need for better infrastructure, including cold storage and LPG terminals at the Chaman and Taftan borders. Business leaders proposed that resolving these issues could significantly boost trade with both Iran and Afghanistan.
Committee chairman Saleem Mandviwalla acknowledged that complaints regarding bilateral trade had been frequent over the past six months. He assured that some issues would be addressed immediately, while others would be raised with higher authorities.Â
Mandviwalla also mentioned that the Iranian Consul General had shared a list of trade-related concerns, which would be presented to the Iranian president, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, during his upcoming visit to Pakistan on August 2.
