Pakistani minister: Promotion of trade, regional peace are priorities

Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Sajid Hussain Turi said on Saturday that promotion of trade and regional peace remain as priorities of his country.

The official said this while visiting Kharlachi near the Durand Line.

Turi said Kurram valley was rich with natural beauty and it was important not only for tourists and historians, but also for international traders as it connected Pakistan with Kabul and Central Asian states by the shortest, easiest and safest routes through Kharlachi and Borki crossings.

The minister said he had taken up the issue of extension of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project to Kurram with the concerned authorities. He said it would bring peace and prosperity to the region.

He said that road to the crossing would be paved soon while other issues would also be addressed on priority. He said he had taken up with the railway authorities to restore the rail track up to Tall area so that trade at border could be enhanced.

The minister advised the authorities to support local population’s engagement in the cross-border trade and that maximum employment opportunities should be given to them.