Afghanistan has four major ethnic groups,Pashtoons, Tajiks, Hazaras, and Uzbeks. Numerous other minor ethnic groups (Nuristanis, Baluchis, Turkmens, etc.) also call Afghanistan their home. While the majority of Afghans (99%) belong to the Islamic faith, there are also small pockets of Sikhs, Hindus and even some Jews. The official languages of the country are Pashto and Dari (Afghan Persian). The offical languages of the country are Pashto and Dari (Afghan Persian). The capital of Afghanistan is Kabul, which throughout history, was admired by many great figures, such as the great Central Asian conqueror, Zahirudeen Bahur, Unfortunately, due to many years of war, this great city has been shattered and nearly destroyed.

There is no rail network in Afghanistan and all trade is conducted by land route from neighbouring countries. All Fragile items and household goods shipment to be crated and then stuffed in COC or SOC.

Following are the routings for cargo destined to various parts of Afghanistan :-

PAKISTAN ROUTE

Karachi Port to Peshawar to Jalalabad- Kabul and other Inland destinations in Afghanistan.

IRAN ROUTE

Route to Islam Qalah/Afghanistan : Bandar Abbas - Kerman - Birjandn - Taibad - Dogharun and finally Islamqalah ( 1Km distance from Iran border). From Islamqalah, the cargo will be arranged to move to heart, Kandhar, Kabul , Jalalabad, etc by Afghani trucks.

Route to Mazer-e-Sharief : Bandar Abbas - Kerman - Mashhad - Sarakhs - Charjou/Turkmenistan - Aghineh and finally Mazer-e-Sharief.

THERE ARE THREE CATEGORIES OF IMPORT CARGO FOR AFGHANISTAN.

A ) . Commercial Cargo.

As per Afghan Transit Trade (att) agreement, the cargo will be transported from Karachi Sea Ports to Peshawar Dry Port ( North West of Pakistan) by RAILWAY WAGONS. Peshawar is a city near to Afghanistan Border. Trucks transports cargo from Peshawar to inland destination in Afghanistan.

B). Relief Goods.

a. ISAF (International security alliance forces) and U.S Government Cargo.
Bonded Train, Trucks and Trailers can transport these goods from Karachi
to Inland Destinations in Afghanistan. The containers are sealed and sent to
Afghanistan.

b. Relief Goods for Re-construction of Afghanistan could be transported in Bonded Trains and Trucks.

C) Diplomatic Goods

Diplomatic goods are Transported by Train and Trucks both. Embassy of a
particular country in Pakistan issues a request, in the name of customs.

LCL - SEA FREIGHT.

There is no reliable LCL service from Karachi Sea Ports to Afghanistan.

AIR FREIGHT

Presently , there are 3 flights a week which is operated by PIA between Islamabad and Kabul. The Air Crafts are small, therefore, bigger load can't be airlifted at the moment.

DOCUMENTATION FOR ALL TYPE OF ABOVE CARGO FOR AFGHANISTAN.

We suggest that the information may please be asked from us from time to time for sake of accuracy of the jobs.

UNLOADING AT AFGHANISTAN.

De-stuffing / Unloading is arranged by the Consignee at Afghanistan.

Most of the carriers are operating their CFS stations in the North of Pakistan. When loading on Carriers containers, please ask for the cost of Empty return to these CFS stations.

However it is suggested that COC containers are de-stuffed at Peshawar and returned to CFS of carriers.

SOC containers are just normal deliveries in AFGHANISTAN.

OVERSIZE CARGO.

There are various Mountain Tunnels in transit between Pakistan border and Afghanistan inland through which the cargo moves. Any cargo which is over the size of 20 or 40 containers, would not PASS through the Tunnels, therefore, before shipping, please give Us the Dimensions/sizes of the cargo with weight and we shall let you know the feasibility of its movement through these Tunnels or any other Alternate route.

INSURANCE

The Cargo must be insured by the Importer/Exports. Liability of any sort of claim is payable by the insurance company chosen by Importer/Exporter.

PORT TO DOOR DELIVERY.

Service from Port to Door Delivery for commercial and non-commercial cargo is available. Please ask for rates and information.

All procedures, restrictions and systems of Cargo Moving via Pakistan applies on Cargo Moving for Afghanistan via bundar abbas (Iran) as well.

This relates to :-

· Commercial Cargo.
· Relief Goods.
· Diplomatic Cargo.
· Containers Handling.