ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (APP): Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday stated that in view of the positive impact of socio-economic development of Afghanistan, the Government of Pakistan was committed to facilitate transit trade of the landlocked neighboring country.
However, the prime minister directed to ensure that the arrangement was not misused and did not hamper the growth of Pakistani industry.
The prime minister was chairing a meeting to review issues related to Pak-Afghan Transit Trade and the way forward towards streamlining the transit trade mechanism for ensuring optimum and mutually beneficial utilization of the arrangement.
Reiterating that the growth of industry and boosting exports are the key priorities for the present government, the prime minister underscored the need for streamlining Pak-Afghan Transit Trade arrangement, in coordination with Afghan authorities, so as to create a mutually beneficial situation for the two countries and the region.
The prime minister emphasized for employing technology to preclude misuse of the arrangement by vested interests.
The prime minister directed Ministry of Commerce to present a comprehensive plan, within three days, taking into account all operational aspects and identifying the required administrative measures, so as to ensure that a transparent corruption free arrangement capable of serving the intended purpose was put in place.
The meeting was attended by Minister for IT Khalid Maqbool Siddique, Minister for Maritime Syed Ali Haider Zaidi, Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, Adviser on Finance Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood, Special Assistant to the PM for Information Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, Governor State Bank Raza Baqir, Secretary Commerce Sardar Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood and other senior officials.
Secretary Commerce Sardar Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera gave a detailed briefing on the existing set-up under Pak-Afghan Transit Trade Agreement and various issues being encountered at operational level including the issue of smuggling back of the goods into Pakistani markets that adversely affects the industry of the country.
VNS Islamabad
