KARACHI: Pakistani traders and logistics operators are calling for waivers and rationalization of detention and demurrage charges incurred on Afghan transit cargo that remained stuck at ports after cross-border trade with Afghanistan came to a halt, according to a trade body statement issued on Saturday.

The appeal follows a government decision earlier this month allowing the re-export of stranded Afghan transit goods, after prolonged border closures prevented cargo from moving onward to Afghanistan, leaving containers immobilized at Pakistani seaports and border crossing points.

Afghan transit trade through Pakistan was disrupted following the closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border due to skirmishes between the two countries in October last year, causing congestion at ports and triggering escalating detention and demurrage charges. Industry representatives say the situation imposed a substantial financial burden on importers, clearing agents and transporters, even though the goods were never intended for Pakistan’s domestic market.

“[We have] been actively engaging with the Directorate General of Transit Trade (DGTT), South Asia Pakistan Terminals (SAPT), and other port and terminal operators, including through formal representations, to seek waivers and rationalization of detention and demurrage charges,” the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) said.

The chamber said it had taken up the matter of stranded Afghan transit trade goods with the Ministry of Commerce following a high-level meeting held on Jan. 10, after which the ministry issued a notification on Jan. 12 permitting the re-export of stranded cargo from the ports of Karachi and Gwadar and designated border crossing points.

PAJCCI said its coordinated engagement with government departments and terminal operators aims to ensure the re-export decision results in “practical relief on ground,” enabling the smooth clearance and movement of cargo while preventing further financial losses for the trade community.

Pakistan’s commerce ministry has not publicly commented on whether waivers on detention and demurrage charges will be granted.