FARAH CITY – A joint Afghan-Iran market at the Sheikh Abu Nasar Farahi Portin western Farah province is under government control.but trucks aremanaged by the Taliban link>.
Some drivers recall the Taliban took charge of traffic at the port twoyears ago, helping reduce disputes and irregularities. The governor’sspokesman, however, rejects the claim as groundless.
The Abu Nasar Farahi Port is situated in Pashtunkot district,132 kilometerswest of Farah City. Some sources say about 200 trucks carrying good enterthe country daily from Iran through this port.
Haji Syed, one of the driver who, transports goods to different parts ofthe country from the port, told Pajhwok Afghan News the Taliban had nophysical presence in the area but had been controlling the traffic flow forthe past two years.
The insurgents impose cash fineson drivers violating rulesand impound theirtrucks for 15-day in Mullah link> Lalou area,where the Taliban have established their customs office.
“We are now very happy; there is no dispute among drivers. No driver candare violate rules and regulations and every oneis compliant,” remarkedSyed.
In the past, drivers from Farah had monopolised the port, loading theirtruck as and when they wanted. But drivers from other provinces were notgiven a fair chance to load their vehicles.
Amanullah, another trucker, endorsed Syed’s statement. “Now we arecomfortable, take our turn once a week and there is no dispute or disorder.”
Farah custom officials could not be reached for comments, but thegovernor’s spokesman, Naser Mehri, rejected the drivers’ claims that theTaliban were controlling the traffic system at the port.
He said the private sector managed trucktraffic at the Abu Nasar Port. Thecompany has been issued a licenceby the Finance Minister in consolationwith the provincial government.