ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday directed the Ministry ofCommerce to present a comprehensive plan within three days after takinginto account all operational aspects and identifying the requiredadministrative measures, ensure that a transparent corruption-freearrangement capable of serving the intended purpose is put in place atPak-Afghan Transit Trade.
A meeting to review issues related to Pak-Afghan Transit Trade and the wayforward towards streamlining the transit trade mechanism for ensuringoptimum and mutually beneficial utilization of the arrangement was chairedby the Prime Minister, says a press release issued here.
Secretary Commerce Sardar Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera gave a detailed briefing onthe existing set-up under Pak-Afghan Transit Trade Agreement and variousissues being encountered at operational level including the issue ofsmuggling back of the goods into Pakistani markets that adversely affectsthe industry of the country.
The Prime Minister in his remarks stated that in view of the positiveimpact of socio-economic development of Afghanistan, the government ofPakistan is committed to facilitate transit trade of the landlockedneighboring country. However, the Prime Minister directed to ensure thatthe arrangement is not misused and does not hamper the growth of Pakistaniindustry.
Reiterating that the growth of industry and boosting exports are the keypriorities for the present government, the Prime Minister underscored theneed for streamlining Pak-Afghan Transit Trade arrangement, in coordinationwith Afghan authorities, so as to create a mutually beneficial situationfor the two countries and the region.
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The Prime Minister also underlined the need for employing technology topreclude misuse of the arrangement by vested interests.
The Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Commerce to present acomprehensive plan, within three days, taking into account all operationalaspects and identifying the required administrative measures, so as toensure that a transparent corruption free arrangement capable of servingthe intended purpose is put in place.
The meeting was attended by Minister for IT Khalid Maqbool Siddique,Minister for Maritime Syed Ali Haider Zaidi, Railways Minister SheikhRasheed Ahmed, Adviser Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Adviser CommerceAbdul Razzak Dawood, SAPM for Information Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, GovernorState Bank Raza Baqir, Secretary Commerce Sardar Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera,Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood and other senior officials.-PR
