ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar directed for taking of further steps at enhancement and foolproof tracking system concerning Afghan Transit Trade.

Chairing review meeting over Afghan Transit Trade and anti-smuggling measures, he also asked for formulation of an immediate mechanism for establishment of an integrated transit trade management system.

Caretakers-Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akthar, Minister for Trade Ejaz Gohar, senior officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, representatives of sensitive departments and other relevant officials in attendance, PM Office Media Wing said in press release.

Addressing participants, he said that one of major reasons affecting country’s economy was smuggling and illegal movement of goods. Taking notice of negligence over smuggling issue, he directed Chief Secretary Balochistan to completely change administrative machinery of District Chaghi.

He directed for initiation of criminal proceedings against any personnel found involved in smuggling leading to exemplary punishment besides, advising intelligence clearance of any officer before his or her deployment on sensitive posts of Customs.

He directed that checking system should be further strengthened at Chaman, Torkham, Ghulam Khan Check posts besides, at border areas of Balochistan. Cargo checking should be improved and number of customs staff at Chaman border be increased, he added.

He opined that people in Balochistan province should work for enhancement of businesses and employment. Briefing over progress report compiled by an inquiry committee on Afghan Transit Trade was also given to Kakar. Appreciating performance of committee so far, he directed it to earnestly compile its recommendations.

Meeting was informed that due to steps of government, smuggling of petroleum products from Iran had been reduced to huge extent whereas cargo tracking system started functioning from Taftan to Quetta.

Meanwhile, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said that development model featuring close liaison between government and private sector could yield positive results for national economic growth.

Interacting with business community here at Business Facilitation Centre, he said enhanced interaction between business community and government would help increase employment opportunities, taxation as well as GDP growth.

Lauding idea of BFC, he said federal government would also play its part by establishing liaison with facility that would also be extended to Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

He assured federal government’s all-out facilitation for business sector through multiple measures.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 02 2024

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