KP backs expansion of trade with Afghanistan

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): Boosting bilateral and transit trade with Afghanistan is a key component of the government’s vision, says the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Mahmood Khan promised all-out support for facilitating bilateral and Afghan Transit Trade (ATT) to promote economic activities in the war-torn neighbour.

The chief minister held out the assurance while speaking to a delegation of the executive committee of the Pak-Afghan Parliamentary Friendship Group.

The delegation, headed by Special Assistant to Prime Minister Arbab Shehzad, included Special Representative for Afghanistan Sadiq Khan, KP Finance Minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra and other senior officials.

Efficient management at the Torkham terminal, customs’ capacity building and issues related to clearance of ATT backlog due to the Covid-19 situation came under discussion.

The meeting agreed to expand parking capacity for containers carrying ATT items at suitable places near the Torkham border, according to a government statement.

The meeting decided Pakistan would hold talks with the Afghan government to improve arrangements and enhance capacities on both sides to ensure 24/7 operation of ATT.

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