ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday chaired a meeting to review issues related to Pak-Afghan Transit Trade and the way forward towards streamlining the trade mechanism to ensure optimum and mutually beneficial utilisation of the arrangement.
The meeting was attended by IT Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddique, Maritime Affairs Minister Syed Ali Haider Zaidi, Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, Adviser to PM on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood, SAPM for Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Dr Raza Baqir, Commerce Secretary Sardar Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera and Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood.
The commerce secretary on the occasion gave a detailed briefing on the existing set-up under Pak-Afghan Transit Trade Agreement and various issues being encountered at the operational level, including the issue of smuggling back of goods into Pakistani markets that adversely affect the industry of the country.
The prime minister in his remarks stated that in view of the positive impact of socio-economic development of Afghanistan, the Pakistan government was committed to facilitating transit trade of the landlocked neighbouring country. However, the PM directed to ensure that the arrangement was not misused and does not hamper the growth of the Pakistani industry.
Reiterating that the growth of industry and increase in exports were among the key priorities for the government, the prime minister underscored the need to streamline 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.
He also underlined the need for employing technology to preclude misuse of the arrangement by vested interests.
He directed the Ministry of Commerce to present a comprehensive plan, within three days, considering all operational aspects and identifying the required administrative measures, to ensure a transparent and corruption-free arrangement capable of serving the intended purpose.
