600 Trucks Stranded at Pak-Iran Border for 8 Months

The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue on Wednesday raised concerns regarding 600 trucks stuck at the Pakistan-Iran border for the past six to eight months due to import restrictions and incompetence on part of the customs officials. Committee member Manzoor Ahmed Kakar mentioned that Pakistani traders operate under a barter system with Iran, but customs officials have been delaying clearances and causing perishable goods to spoil. Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Rashid Langrial warned that barter trade was allowed only due to a lack of banking channels between the two countries. However, importers now want to import/procure goods from other countries via Iran as well, which cannot be allowed as per law, the chairman added. Meanwhile, oil smuggling and money laundering across the border continue unchecked. One senator revealed that previously, around 4,000 people were involved in oil smuggling, but the number has now reduced to 100-200. Meanwhile, it was revealed that customs officials have doubled their clearance rates from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 30,000. This has complicated trade for legal/vetted importers. Lawmakers warned that trade disruptions could escalate if Iran retaliates by blocking Pakistani trucks.