No visa fee for Pakistani brothers, multiple visas for businessmen: Afghan CG
Afghan Consulates playing positive role in enhancing Pak trade: Raza Khan
Pak, Afghan share same frontier, historical, cultural, religious traditions: FPCCI
Islamabad: (July 10)
Consul General Afghanistan Consulate, Peshawar Syed Muhammad Ebrahim Khil has said that his country is willing to issue multiple visas to Pakistani businessmen.
This will enhance bilateral trade and brotherly relations between the two neighbouring countries, he said.
Talking to Raza Khan, Chairman Coordination, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), the diplomat said that Afghanistan is the only friendly country bordering Pakistan which is not charging any visa fee from Pakistani brethren.
Some people from Punjab think that there is some kind of processing fee which is incorrect, he informed.
Syed Muhammad Ebrahim Khil said that around 1000 people approach Peshawar Consulate daily out of which only 300 get visas.
"We want to issue more visas but want of staff and some other problems are barring us," the Consul General said.
The envoy stressed the need for enhanced interaction between the business community of the two countries and proposed frequent exchange of delegations with the help of FPCCI to cement ties.
He said that security and customs officials of two countries should not hamper bilateral trade for personal gains and that Pakistan should do something about 5000 Afghan containers stranded in Karachi port without valid reason causing loss of around 500,000 dollars every day.
Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) was also very uneasy over the recent developments and has called for extreme measures, he informed.
Ebrahim Khil said that we are willing to issue visas to participants of Tablighi Ijtema (annual gathering of devotees) and they should furnish details at earliest.
At the occasion, Raza Khan, Chairman Coordination, FPCCI lauded the supportive role of Afghan Consulates in Karachi, Quetta and especially Peshawar.
He said that FPCCI is ready to resolve trade disputes between businessmen of the two countries so that bilateral trade can be promoted.
Peshawar, one of the oldest living cities in Asia, has for centuries been a centre of trade between Afghanistan, South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East.
Presently, almost all of our exports to Afghanistan, central Asia and as far as Moscow are conducted through trade convoys from Peshawar which is not possible without help of Kabul, he said.
Raza said that Pakistan's government support, provision of facilities and security can again transform Peshawar into a major trading hub which will not boost underdeveloped province but also help contain terror.
Raza Khan said that a transparent transit trade deal is in the interest of both countries which remain a challenge. Transit trade should not be misused by either side or offer incentives to smugglers on any side of the divide, he said.
The FPCCI official said adding that we share same frontier and have inherited common historical, cultural and religious traditions that call for large-heartedness and compromise leading to reciprocal concessions.
We will continue to seriously support all of the landlocked countries, he assured the Afghan Consul General.
_
Muhammad Raza Khan,
Chairman Coordination,
FPCCI, Capital Office, Islamabad,
Former President, Haripur Chamber of Commerce,
Founder President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce.
Tel: FPCCI +92-51-2251891-3. Fax +92-51-251894
Tel: Business +92-51-4434200-5. Fax +92-514434203
--
Dear All,
It's a common platform for journalists and all others who are interested in knowing about the issues that are sometimes not reported. This group favours philosophy of progress, reform and the protection of civil liberties. Please share and educate others. The owners and managers of this site do not necessarily agree with any of the information. It is an open forum and anyone that register can post whatever they like. Mails sent by members and non-members are subject to approval. However, we are not responsible in any way for the contents of mails / opinion sent by members. We do not guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. If you find content on this site which you feel is inappropriate or inaccurate, incomplete, or useless you are most welcome to report it or contradict it.
Regards,
Group Manager
0 comments:
Post a Comment