Commerce Desk
Mian Zahid Hussain, president of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, said national security and citizens’ safety must take priority over commercial interests. Commenting on the suspension of trade via Taftan and Gabd-Rimdan, he supported measures against terrorism and smuggling. According to Dawn, a memorandum withdrew the October 3 order that had halted Pakistan-Iran cross-border trade. Officials in Balochistan and Iran described the disruption as temporary.
He noted bilateral trade of about $2.8 billion in FY2023-24, including $684 million in Pakistani exports, and warned that disrupted imports could cause LPG shortages. The Quetta Chamber estimates roughly 2,000 trucks are stranded, tying up traders’ capital and exposing perishables to spoilage.
He proposed a minimum one-month grace period for future restrictions, arrangements for stranded cargo, and uniform instructions for traders. The Rice Exporters Association warned that shipping via Bandar Abbas would raise costs, and exporters need guidance on US sanctions risks.
He urged a joint coordination mechanism among the Interior and Commerce ministries, FBR and Balochistan government, with inspection-based clearance, secure holding areas and alternative legal routes, and said lawful trade should resume once safeguards are in place.
