January 19, 2021
Prime Minister Imran Khan led a review meeting regarding the setting up of markets along Pakistan’s frontiers with Afghanistan and Iran on January 18, 2020. The meeting was attended by the Advisor to PM Abdul Razak Dawood, special assistants Moeed Yusuf, Dr Waqar Masood and Dr Shehbaz and Minister for Maritime Affairs Syed Ali Haider Zaidi.
The meeting was informed about the steps taken at Federal and provincial levels for the establishment of planned border markets, to offer better business facilities, trade advancement, and employment opportunities to the local residents.
The meeting was further briefed about the draft PC-1 and the progress on talks with Iran and Afghan authorities for creation of 18 proposed border markets, of which four would be established under a pilot project.
Prime Minister Imran Khan commanded the concerned officials to accelerate measures concerning the establishment of markets in Pakistan’s adjoining areas with Afghanistan and Iran, in addition to framing a comprehensive strategy in this regard.
He further added that establishing these markets is vital for the prosperity of the people residing in border areas of Balochistan and merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as this step would not only provide employment opportunities to local people but will also help in controlling smuggling.
© Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) and Afghan Studies Center (ASC), Islamabad.
