Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor, Haji Ghulam Ali has expressed his consent over the constitution of a steering committee with the task of streamlining of trade with Afghanistan both import, Export and transit.
The agreement was reached during a meeting of Governor KP, Haji Ghulam Ali with a delegation of businessmen dealing in trade with Afghanistan. Coordinator Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI), Zia-ul-HaqSarhadi and Vice President PAJCCI, Shuja Muhammad were leading the delegation and other members were Engr. ManzoorElahi, Imtiaz Ahmad Ali (Director PAJCCI), Farooq Ahmad, Ammar Ansari and MianWaheedBacha.
During the meeting, the delegation members apprised Governor KP about the problems they face on daily basis in trade with Afghanistan including import, export and transit trade.
After discussion over the issues creating hurdles in smooth sailing of trade, it was agreed that a steering committee be constituted under the chairmanship of private sector stakeholder with representation from Frontier Corps, NLC, Afghan Consulate, DC Khyber and Custom Department as its members.
The committee should be notified by Governor KP and would meet on weekly or monthly basis to take a review of issues pertained to Pak-Afghan trade.
The steering committee would work in pattern of Facilitation Committee formed at Torkham border for holding of meeting of traders and stakeholders from Pakistan and Afghanistan sides on monthly basis.
Earlier, Coordinator PAJCCI, Zia-ul-HaqSarhadi apprised Governor about working of PAJCCI under the dynamic leadership of its Chairman, ZubairMotiwala and President, JunaidMakda. PAJCCI was formed around fourteen years earlier and has around 400 members. The Executive Body comprises of 22 members, 11 each from Pakistan and Afghanistan, Zia added.
He also informed Governor KP about the problems being faced by business community in the wake of restrictions imposed on different items in Afghan Transit Trade. Zia Sarhadi said around twelve different departments are monitoring Pak-Afghan trade and the issue of smuggling can be resolved through enhancing vigilance and checking at borders. He said smuggling should be stopped and not the trade to keep the momentum of commerce in the region stable and supportive for people of both the countries.
