ISLAMABAD, 29 November 2021, (TON): Officials familiar with the development told media “Islamabad and New Delhi have locked horns over the modalities of shipment of Indian wheat to Afghanistan via Pakistan as both neighbours struggle to find a common strategy for humanitarian assistance for the people of Afghanistan.”

Last week, Pakistan decided to allow India to transport 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat and other humanitarian goods to Afghanistan through the Wagah border in a move Islamabad said was made on "exceptional basis" keeping in view the humanitarian crises in Afghanistan.

The modalities for the transportation of India assistance were shared with the Indian government through its mission in Islamabad. As per modalities, Pakistan had proposed transportation of wheat on Pakistani trucks to be operated by the United Nations.

The Pakistani trucks under the banner of UN would load wheat at the Wagah crossing and then take it to Afghanistan.

The shipment charges would be paid by the Indian government. India has to complete the transportation within 30 days of the commencement of first shipment. It is estimated that about 1,200 trucks would be needed to ship 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat.