QUETTA: Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed not to allow any vehicles involved in border trade to cross the border without having Temporary Admission Documents (TAD) after June is.

`In view of this agreement, the two countries have asked transport companies to get themselves registered for TAD as soon as possible, Director of Transit Trade Muhammad Ismail told businessmen and leaders of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday. The Afghan Commercial Attaché of Afghan Consulate, Dr Abdul Hanan Hemit, President of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry Haji Abdullah Achakzai, Senior Vice President Haji Agha Gul Khilji and other senior members attended the meeting.

Mr Ismail told the meeting that implementation of TAD is a decision taken by top authorities of the two countries and the Ministry of Commerce has already held meetings with Afghan authorities in this regard.

He said though June 15 was decided as a deadline for registration of vehicles involved in border trade, Afghan authorities have sought more time for registration of companies from both sides involved in the bilateral trade.

`The request of theAfghan authorities seeking more time for TAD implementation is under consideration,` he said.

The official said that TAD is at present applicable only to bilateral trade vehicles, but it will later be extended to other transit trade vehicles. For registration, vehicle owners, drivers, and helpers will need to provide identification documents and pay a fee of $50, which will be valid for six months.

Vehicles having TAD will be allowed to move freely in both countries, which will have a positive impact on bilateral trade.

`The category-wise fee structure will be communicated to the ministry of commerce and other relevant authorities, and the Chamber of Commerce can also play a role in this regard. Help desks have been established in Chaman and Quetta for registration of vehicles and other matters, and Afghan authorities will also be consulted on fee and weight-related matters to avoid any inconvenience to businessmen involved in bilateral trade,` he said.

The business leaders and office-bearers of QCCI welcomed the decision of Pakistani and Afghan authorities and termed the move a positive step for both countries.

They requested that the fee for TAD be reduced from $50 to $20 per vehicle and that the weight of vehicles be also considered.

They also suggested that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry could play a role in getting vehicles registered with the Transit Trade Directorate and Afghan Consulate.