Pakistan
| Articles |
8.1
–
8.2 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e)
View measure text |
|---|---|
| Indicative date of implementation | 30 June 2020 |
| Definitive date of implementation | 30 June 2026 |
| Deadline for extension request, if required | 2 March 2026 |
| Extension of time |
Request received
17 April 2025
Original definitive date
30 June 2025
New date requested
30 June 2026
Date approved
30 June 2026
Reason
• Pakistan was on course to implement the remaining elements of Article 8, i.e. establishment of joint border controls between Pakistan and Afghanistan by 30 June 2025. However, security situation escalated in March 2025, resulting in significant damage to the critical infrastructure and evacuation of staff Members of Project Management Unit and the National Logistic Cell (NLC) [the terminal operator at Torkham border crossing point (BCP)]. The NLC also issued a 'notice of force majeure' [indicating difficulty to continue cross border trade and transit activities] due to security unrest at the across Pak Afghan border at Torkham
• NLC has been instructed to conduct a detailed damage assessment of buildings, infrastructure, and equipment along-with estimation of cost and time required for repair and replacement. However, due to continued security volatility across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, NLC has not been able to complete the assessment process so far.
Committee approval:
Approved
Link to notification
Request received
5 August 2024
Original definitive date
31 December 2024
New date requested
30 June 2025
Date approved
30 June 2025
Reason
The delay in implementing Article 8 of the TFA was caused by the following unforeseeable factors:
• Project Management Unit (PMU), Integrated Transit Trade Management System (ITTMS) has awarded contract for reengineering, digitization, and integration of cross-border trade processes that is scheduled for completion by 31 January 2025. Once the physical and digital infrastructure is in place, configuration and final user testing may require up to five months.
• The establishment of joint control between Pakistan and Afghanistan requires a bilateral agreement, which is currently under negotiation. Even though the infrastructure would be in place by early 2025, the commissioning will depend on the outcome of these ongoing negotiations.
• An extension in the implementation of the provision is required until 30 June 2025 for achieving the final operationalization of both Torkham and Chaman Border Land Ports.
Committee approval:
Approved
Link to notification
Request received
24 June 2020
Original definitive date
30 June 2023
New date requested
31 December 2024
Date approved
31 December 2024
Reason
Project Management Unit (PMU), Integrated Transit Trade Management System ITTMS, FBR is implementing this initiative with assistance from Asian Development Bank (ADB). However, the current health crisis context will require an extra delay for the execution of all planned implementation processes.
Committee approval:
Approved
Link to notification
|
| Assistance required for implementation | IT Support, Establishment of EDI Links with Customs across the Border, establishment of NSW. |
| Donor / Agency | Not yet notified |
| Progress reported | Not yet notified |