Islamabad, Kabul put in place temporary papers system to facilitate border trade

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to implement the mechanism of Temporary Admission Document (TAD) and envisaged a deadline that after June 15 no vehicle would be allowed to cross the border without having TAD.

The first vehicle from Afghanistan carrying a consignment of coal crossed over to Islamabad the June 3, 2024. The Kharlachi Border Terminal on the Pakistani side was formally inaugurated on June 2, 2024. Three vehicles with TAD crossed Torkhum on 3rd June 2024.

According to official announcement on Monday, the Ministries of Commerce of Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to implement the mechanism of Temporary Admission Document (TAD) w.e.f 01-05-2024 to streamline and regulate the movement of cargo vehicles carrying bilateral trade. Applications for TAD for Afghanistan registered vehicles will be collected on all working days at window No. 5 of Pakistan Embassy Kabul and Pakistan Consulate, Kandahar from 1100-1200 hours daily. Similarly those for TAD from Pakistani registered vehicles will be collected on all working days at Afghanistan Consulate Generals, Quetta, and Peshawar from 1000 – 1100 hours. Both have ensured availability of application form in Embassy/Consulates and on websites which is freely downloadable. TAD will be issued within five working days of receipt of applications.

TAD shall become valid from the date of issuance. Separate TAD will also be issued, for vehicle, driver and cleaner. The fee will be charged for only issuing TAD of vehicle. The TAD pass for drivers and cleaners of that vehicle, will be free of cost. It shall be valid for one vehicle at a time and only for the carrier to whom it was issued; it shall not be transferable to other carriers. TAD is issued against the admission fee of US $100 and its validity is for 6 months with multiple journeys. Its mechanism was notified vide SRO 702(I)/2024 dated 23-5- 2024 by Federal Board of Revenue.

Directorate General of Transit Trade, Peshawar/ Quetta is responsible for sharing list of approved transport operators with Afghanistan Consulate Generals, Quetta, and Peshawar, hence transport operators/owners of Pakistan registered vehicles are encouraged to apply at Directorate General of Transit Trade, Peshawar/ Quetta for registration of their trucks under TAD Mechanism. Help Desks have also been established to facilitate the operators. After 15th June, 2024, no vehicle will be allowed to carry bilateral trade between the two countries, without possessing TAD.