Around 400 Commercial Vehicles Stranded at Taftan Border for Four Months, Transporters Face Severe Financial Crisis
TAFTAN: Nearly 400 commercial and cargo vehicles have remained stranded at the Taftan border with Iran for the past four months due to delays in customs clearance, leaving transporters, drivers, and hundreds of workers facing mounting financial hardships.
According to affected transporters, the prolonged clearance process has brought their businesses to a standstill, resulting in losses worth millions of rupees. They said many vehicle owners had purchased their trucks through bank loans or significant investments and are now struggling to repay installments because their vehicles have remained idle.
Drivers also reported facing rising daily expenses for accommodation, food, vehicle maintenance, and other necessities while waiting at the border. Many vehicles have reportedly developed mechanical problems after remaining parked for an extended period, adding to the financial burden.
The affected transporters said they have repeatedly approached customs authorities and other relevant government departments for assistance, but no effective or permanent solution has yet been provided. They warned that the continued uncertainty is not only harming the transport sector but also slowing cross-border trade between Pakistan and Iran.
Business and trade representatives have also expressed concern, describing the Taftan border as a vital trade route between the two countries. They warned that prolonged delays in vehicle clearance are disrupting imports and exports and negatively affecting Balochistan’s economy.
The affected parties have urged the federal and provincial governments, customs authorities, and other relevant agencies to take immediate steps to clear the stranded vehicles, improve coordination among departments, and introduce measures to prevent such lengthy delays in the future.
They expressed hope that the government would act swiftly to resolve the four-month-long crisis, restore normal border trade, and prevent further financial losses for transporters, traders, and workers.
