Pakistani PM directs enhancement of Afghan Transit Trade tracking system

Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday directed for taking of further steps at enhancement and foolproof tracking system concerning Afghan Transit Trade.

Chairing a review meeting over Afghan Transit Trade and anti-smuggling measures, he also asked for the formulation of an immediate mechanism for the establishment of an integrated transit trade management system, The Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

The meeting was attended by the ministers of finance and trade and senior officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.

Kakar said that one of the major reasons affecting Pakistan’s economy was smuggling and the illegal movement of goods.

He directed for initiation of criminal proceedings against any personnel found involved in smuggling leading to exemplary punishment besides, advising intelligence clearance of any officer before his or her deployment on sensitive posts of customs.

Kakar further directed that checking system should be further strengthened at the Chaman, Torkham, Ghulam Khan check posts besides, at the border areas of Balochistan. Cargo checking should be improved and the number of customs staff at Chaman border be increased, he added.