RASC News: Sources from Kandahar report that Pakistani officials have doubled the customs tariffs on fresh fruit imports from Afghanistan. These sources informed the media that traders in Kandahar have lodged complaints with the Pakistani consulate in the province following this move. Traders have criticized the tariff increase, deeming it inappropriate.
In response, officials at the Pakistani consulate stated that due to significant debt, they are compelled to substantially raise customs tariffs on imports from Afghanistan. However, traders hold the Taliban responsible for Pakistan’s actions, believing that the group’s policies have sacrificed their trade interests. Traders assert that political disputes and the nature of Pakistan’s relationship with the Taliban have consistently resulted in their detriment. Whenever relations sour, tariffs or costs increase, causing hardship for the people but not the Taliban.
Currently, Pakistan imposes a customs tariff of 195,000 Pakistani rupees on each container of Greengage plums. Meanwhile, the customs tariffs on grape and pomegranate containers are 76,000 rupees and 107,000 rupees, respectively. Notably, Pakistan annually raises customs tariffs on Afghanistan fruit imports just as the harvest season begins.
Traders explain that Pakistan exploits the timing of the harvest and the necessity to sell, increasing costs when they are forced to trade. Previously, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pakistan’s Minister of Economy, warned that to prevent the country’s debt from rising, taxes must be significantly increased. Pakistan currently has a debt exceeding $125 billion, with at least $25 billion due by the end of this year.
