To strengthen trade with regional countries, including Afghanistan and Central Asia, Pakistan is finalizing a major project at the Torkham border. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) approved the International Transit Trade Management System (ITTMS) for Torkham, Chaman, and Wagah border crossings. This state-of-the-art project is now in its final stages.
The Asian Development Bank is supporting the project, while the National Logistics Cell (NLC) oversees construction. Work on the modern Torkham Transit Terminal began in 2019 and is now nearing completion. Officials say this terminal will revolutionize trade by making the clearance process faster and more efficient, boosting trade with Afghanistan and other Central Asian countries.
Khawaja Khurram Naeem, the Chief Collector of Customs for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlighted the terminal’s importance. He explained that the ITTMS project is transformative for customs operations. In the past, most clearance work was handled manually. With ITTMS, all processes will rely on advanced scanning technology, reducing delays and doubling the clearance capacity for cargo vehicles.
The new system is expected to greatly benefit traders. Faster clearance will lower costs, save time, and allow businesses to increase their profits. According to Naeem, this upgrade will expand trade volumes with Afghanistan and boost economic connections with Central Asia.
The terminal includes modern facilities, such as a one-window system for customs clearance. Through this system, 77 government agencies and departments will work together seamlessly to clear commercial goods. The terminal can accommodate over 500 cargo vehicles at a time, providing ample space for trade operations.
NLC officials explained that the project was initially scheduled for completion by July 2023. However, heavy traffic and limited space caused delays. Now, the terminal is expected to be ready within the next three months and will then be handed over to customs authorities for full operation.
Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan in 2023-2024 reached $69.11 million. Officials believe that the Torkham Transit Terminal will increase exports by 37%, helping to further strengthen Pakistan’s trade position in the region.
The terminal will also positively impact pedestrian traffic at the Torkham border, according to FIA officials. They reported that an average of 10,000 people cross the border daily. The one-window system ensures travelers can use passport visas and online registration. These measures will connect travelers with major cities like Peshawar and Islamabad and improve border security.
With the completion of the Torkham Transit Terminal, Pakistan is set to unlock new opportunities for trade and strengthen its ties with regional economies.
