Islamabad, Dec 17: After a delay of 12 years, the government has introduced a bill in the National Assembly to establish a Pakistan Land Port Authority, aimed at improving the movement of goods and people at border crossings and reducing business costs.
The bill was presented by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on behalf of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. However, Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah did not refer the bill to the relevant committee for further discussion.
The proposal to create a land port authority was first introduced in 2012 by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government under the Ministry of Commerce. The Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf (PTI) government made a second attempt in 2021.
If approved, Pakistan would become the third South Asian country to have such an authority, joining Bangladesh, which established its Land Port Authority in 2002, and India, which followed in 2012.
India has already identified Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar for the development of integrated checkpoints (ICPs) at all entry and exit points and has set up an ICP at the Wagah border with Pakistan.
The proposed Pakistan Land Port Authority would serve as a statutory body responsible for coordinating various agencies to facilitate trade and passenger movement at border crossings.
The authority would manage the declaration, regulation, security, and operation of land ports, aiming to promote trade, ensure border control, encourage competition, and protect Pakistan’s strategic interests.
The bill outlines the authority’s role in enhancing trade facilitation by coordinating with border agencies in accordance with international agreements and conventions. It seeks to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of land ports in the region.
Currently, the lack of a single coordinating agency at border points leads to delays in the movement of goods and passengers. The bill also stresses the importance of using advanced technology at land ports to combat illegal immigration and smuggling.
To oversee the authority, the bill suggests establishing a 16-member governing council, which would be formed by the prime minister to provide overall supervision and strategic direction.
