TOLO news report of 13th October, 2019 that Pakistan has tripled tariffs on Kandahar pomegranates is misleading. The government of Pakistan has not implemented any such measure. In fact, from last month, Pakistan is providing 24/7 services on its side of Torkham border to facilitate rapid disposal of Afghan exports of fruits and vegetable to Pakistani markets.
However, since Afghan exporters consistently understate the value of pomegranates and fruits consignments, therefore, as a normal practice customs valuations of imports from Afghanistan are revised periodically. For example, in case of pomegranates in light of revised valuations the increase in custom duty on pomegranates is only Pak Rs. 3.5/kg.
The embassy would reiterate that Pak-Afghan bilateral trade is extremely important for both the countries and therefore, it should not be politicized or sensationalized through irresponsible reporting. (PR)