KHYBER: Federal minister for haj and religious affairs Dr Noorul Haq Qadri has said completion of the Khyber Economic Corridor in 2024 will not only bring economic prosperity in the tribal district but also boost bilateral trade with Afghanistan.

Speaking to the office-bearers of Khyber Chamber of Commerce and local traders at Torkham border on Saturday, he said the corridor linking Peshawar with Torkham would generate employment for local people and increase the quantum of trade with Afghanistan and the Central Asian States, where Pakistani products had great demand.

He said local traders, transporters and clearing agents were the major beneficiaries of the cross border trade.

Responding to the grievances voiced by the local traders and customs clearing agents, the federal minister said he would arrange a joint meeting of all the stakeholders for prompt solution to the problems.

He said the Torkham border was of great importance for enhancing trading activities with Pakistan’s western neighbours.

Mr Qadri said he would talk to the customs authorities for improving the Web-based One Custom operations.

Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2020