Imports of coal and soapstone from Afghanistan have come to a standstill at Torkham, Ghulam Khan, and Kharlaachi border crossings after Pakistani customs authorities made the certificate of origin mandatory for clearance.
The requirement, imposed this week, caught traders off guard, leaving hundreds of trucks stranded on the Afghan side and causing panic among importers and transporters ahead of Eid al-Adha.
Traders say the sudden halt—without prior notice—disrupted plans and delayed cargo meant for industrial use in Punjab and for export via Karachi.
Officials fear some goods may not genuinely originate from Afghanistan, prompting the documentation demand. Discussions with Afghan authorities on issuing the required certificates had previously stalled over technical issues like weight and value discrepancies.
Mujjebullah Shinwari, president of the Torkham Customs Clearing Agents Association, confirmed that efforts are underway to secure a temporary waiver for consignments already in transit.
“We’ve requested urgent relief from authorities in Islamabad and Kabul to ease pressure before Eid,” Shinwari said.
Traders remain hopeful for a resolution, warning that prolonged delays could disrupt supply chains and trade flow between the two countries.
