PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan said on Monday that his government would extend support to facilitate bilateral trade with Afghanistan and Afghan Transit Trade (ATT) to boost economic activities in the war-ravaged country.

A statement issued here said that talking to a delegation of the executive committee of Pak-Afghan Parliamentary Friendship Group, the chief minister said that promotion of bilateral trade with Afghanistan was an important component of the government’s vision to boost international trade.

The delegation was headed by Special Assistant to Prime Minister Arbab Shehzad. Special representative of prime minister for Afghanistan Sadiq Khan, Provincial Finance Minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.

The statement said that matters related to promotion of trade activities with Afghanistan in the light of the decisions taken by National Command and Operation Centre, better and efficient management at Torkham terminal, capacity enhancement of custom on Torkham Pass and issues related to the clearance of backlog in ATT due to the prevailing Covid-19 situation came under discussion on the occasion.

To have an effective coordination mechanism amongst the provincial government, relevant federal departments and other stakeholders to streamline all the matters related to ATT, the meeting agreed to expand parking capacity for the containers of ATT at suitable places near Torkham border.

The meeting also agreed to hold talks with Afghan government to improve arrangements and enhance capacities on both the sides in order to ensure 24/7 operation of ATT.

Mr Khan on the occasion stressed the need for pragmatic steps to facilitate bilateral trade activities with Afghanistan on sustainable basis.

He urged the executive committee of Pak-Afghan Parliamentary Friendship Group to consider other frequent crossing points to be used in future for bilateral trades with Afghanistan so that maximum employment opportunities could be created for the people of the province.

The chief minister assured the forum of all out support and facilitation of the provincial government to boost trade with Afghanistan.

Arbab Shehzad expressed gratitude to the provincial government for extending all out support and facilities with regard to promotion of bilateral trade with Afghanistan as well as ATT.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2020