Pakistani bikes rev up their way to Afghan market

Afghan businessmen are importing Pakistan-assembled motorcycles in large numbers daily through the Chaman border amid booming demand for the two-wheelers in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Honda CG-125 bikes are unavailable at showrooms in Karachi as the market is facing price hikes and a shortage of motorcycles across the country, including Quetta and other cities of Balochistan. “Customs department is allowing the export of motorcycles to Afghanistan after completing all legal formalities,” Dr Attaullah Barech, a spokesman for Pakistan Customs, Quetta Collectorate, told Dawn, adding that motorcycles are being exported to Afghanistan daily along with other goods. He said that most of the Afghan traders were importing Honda CD-70 and CG-125 bikes which enjoy a big market in Afghanistan. “In the last two and half months, around 3,000 motorcycles were imported by Afghan traders through the Chaman border,” Dr Barech said, adding that Honda CD-70 has more demand than heavy motorcycles in the neighbouring country.