Daily Times

Sir: It is not just our own economy that we are ruining through high tariffs but that of our neighbouring countries as well. Pakistan has been hindering the trade of Afghanistan and other Central Asian countries by placing various restrictions on transit trade. Most of that trade has now shifted to Iranian ports in spite of those routes being longer and more expensive. If we want to reciprocate the goodwill of President Ashraf Ghani, we need to allow Afghanistan to import its goods through Pakistan. Rationalising our tariffs would ensure that it would no longer be economical to smuggle back goods into Pakistan. This would also allow Pakistan to enable the Central Asian countries and Afghanistan to import goods from India through the shorter land route of Wagah. If Pakistan keeps its current policies in place, it would be the biggest stumbling block in creating the Silk Road Economic Belt and the realisation of the South Asia Free Trade Area.
MISBAH ABBAS
Karachi