ISLAMABAD, Jan 27: The government is considering a proposal to establish an automated border crossing infrastructure system at Torkham for customs clearance and immigration with a view to facilitate and increase bilateral trade with Afghanistan.

An official source told Dawn on Thursday that the proposal was discussed in detail by Secretary Commerce Tasneem Noorani with Chief Secretary Ijaz Ahmad Qureshi on Thursday for seeking the opinion of NWFP government on the matter before it was finalized.

The proposed project would be financed by the Islamic Investment Fund which would include installation of latest equipment's for electronic clearance of goods and computerization of records at the border.

Mr Noorani informed the chief secretary the ministry of commerce in collaboration with various stakeholders would establish state-of-the-art facilities at Torkham for customs clearance, immigration and other necessary amenities for the traders of both countries in view of increasing bilateral trade.