Pajhwok report helps curb smuggling via Melak

FARAH CITY (Pajhwok): The smuggling of different goods from Iran into Afghanistan via the Melak crossing has been curbed by 90 percent after Pajhwok Afghan News released a detailed report on the issue.

On April 23, Pajhwok published details of the smuggling through the Melak crossing, the illegal business continued despite the presence of security forces in the area.

A variety of goods illegally found their way into Afghanistan from Iran through the Melak crossing. No custom duty or taxes were paid

Melak is situated close to the border with Iran in western Farah province where Shaikh Abu Nasar dry port is the official trade hub between the two countries.

Khan Zaman Amarkhel, the Farah Custom director, praised Pajhwok for publishing the report and said they investigated the issue together with provincial officials based on an agreement with the Ministry of Finance (MoF).

He said the illegal entry of goods had been prevented to a large extent and efforts were underway to eradicate the practice altogether.

Meanwhile, Governor Mohammad Soaib Sabit said he had sent several letters to security organs in order to prevent smuggling via Melak. There has been good progress.

He added they had taken effective steps in this regard and hoped the smuggling would end soon. Sabit called the fight against corruption a top priority for his administration.

Ghulam Reza, a trader who brought goods via Melak, admitted that the smuggling menace had declined by 90 percent.

He did not provide details how the unlawful flow of goods had decreased. However, he said currently they brought goods into the country through the Sheikh Abu Nasar dry port.

sa/mud

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