Call to fully activate Azakhel Dryport, resume cargo train

PESHAWAR: Business community representatives have urged the full operationalization of the Azakhel Dryport and the resumption of the Peshawar-Karachi cargo train to enhance trade activities.

These issues were raised by Zia-ul-Haq Sarhadi, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Railways and Dryport at the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce, during a meeting with the newly appointed Divisional Superintendent of Pakistan Railways, Peshawar, Inamullah.

According to a press release, Sarhadi and other members of the delegation congratulated Inamullah on his appointment and highlighted the challenges faced by exporters and importers, particularly about the Azakhel Dryport.

He noted that the dryport, inaugurated five years ago by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has yet to become fully operational despite assurances of a one-window operation and enhanced facilities.

Sarhadi said a Peshawar-Karachi export cargo train was promised to facilitate exporters and businesspeople in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but remains non-functional. Similarly, the transport of goods via the Afghan Transit Train and other services at the dryport have yet to materialize.

He pointed out that the export cargo train from Peshawar Cantt Dryport had been non-operational for 20 years, forcing exporters to use private trucks to transport goods to Karachi, where Customs clearance and export procedures are completed. This practice had rendered over 250 Customs clearing agents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa unemployed.

Sarhadi, who also serves as Senior Vice-President of the Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry and President of the Frontier Customs Agents Association, expressed concerns over the economic impact of these issues. He said 70 percent of Afghan transit trade goods have shifted to Iranian ports like Bandar Abbas and Chabahar due to Pakistan Railways’ inaction, causing significant revenue and job losses.

He also urged the restoration of the Khushhal Khan train service, widely used by laborers and low-income travelers, as it connects interior Punjab with Peshawar.Inamullah assured Sarhadi that the problems faced by the business community people would be addressed.