PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has said that the opening of Pak-Afghan border for 24 hours will not only boost regional trade and commerce but also prove to be a major step towards development, peace and prosperity in the region.

Chairing a meeting here on Thursday, he said all the arrangements had been finalised and the formal inauguration ceremony would be held soon and Prime Minister Imran Khan would be the chief guest.

Mahmood Khan said the next step after opening of the border included beautification of the Torkham border and facilitating public by expanding the existing infrastructure facilities. He said the initiative would help in promotion of trade and commerce with the Central Asian countries.

He added that the incumbent government was focused towards promotion of cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan in education, health and information technology sectors along with utilising the cultural affinities between both the countries for promoting cultural tourism.

For facilitation of medical patients seeking treatment in Pakistan, a referral and vaccination facility will be established at the border whereas for promoting relationship in the education sector, reserved seats will be increased for Afghan nationals in the educational facilities of the province.

The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Taimoor Saleem Jhagra, advisor on information technology Kamran Bangash, chief secretary Mohammad Saleem Khan, principal secretary to chief minister Shahab Ali Shah and other officials.

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2019