In discussions led by Prime Minister Kakar, in-depth deliberations tookplace concerning the Afghan transit trade and the reopening of the Torkhamborder. The Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with border managementauthorities and customs, has assumed a proactive role in reevaluatingpolicies governing the permission and restriction of trade items, asaffirmed by PM Kakar. It is their aim to strike a balance in facilitatinglegitimate trade while cracking down on smuggling activities.
Prime Minister Kakar was keen to address concerns that curbing smugglingmight jeopardize the livelihoods of the residents in bordering regions ofKhyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He emphasized that the people of theseprovinces deserve a trade environment characterized by legality andfairness, rather than being marred by smuggling activities. This stanceunderlines the government’s commitment to promoting lawful commerce.
Regarding the involvement of Afghan refugees in cross-border smuggling, PMKakar revealed that a comprehensive policy had been formulated. Hecategorized Afghans living in Pakistan into three distinct groups: thoseregistered with the government, aliens with no legitimate reason to stay,and individuals involved in identity theft. The government’s resolve is torepatriate unauthorized Afghan residents and strictly enforce the visaregime to prevent illegal habitation.
Prime Minister Kakar expressed regret over the lax approach taken in thepast, highlighting its contribution to various social issues. He also drewattention to the security risks posed by smuggling, which can inadvertentlybolster terrorist organizations and non-state actors. PM Kakar stressedthat tackling terrorism is a top priority for the caretaker government.
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Moreover, Kakar disclosed that the apex committee is working diligently toaddress both tactical and strategic aspects of emerging terrorist threats.The caretaker government’s foremost objective is to provide relief to thepopulation impacted by inflation through effective administrative measures.Regardless of the government’s tenure, whether one or one-and-a-halfmonths, PM Kakar pledged that it would remain dedicated to efficientgovernance and the welfare of the people
