The government of Pakistan has decided to form border markets to enhance trade relations with Afghanistan and Iran.
They have asked for suggestions from the KPK government before implementing any such thing. Five of these markets will be formed between KPK an Afghanistan, out of which four will be in the tribal areas and one will be in lower Chitral.
There has been a suggestion to form such markets in Torkham and Ghulam khan as well. The decision has been made to benefit the local population.
Shaheedano Dhand, Kharlachi, are the suggested are of Karam district, Arvindo in lower Chitral, Angor Adda in South Waziristan, whereas Girsaal in Mohamand is some of the suggested areas. Similarly, Ghulam Khan in North Waziristan is also one of the places under consideration.
According to the sources, a joint committee will be formed to address the problems and its solutions in this regard. The committee will be responsible for improving the present infrastructure and provide better facilities for the consumers.
It will be compulsory for both the consumer and the trader to have their homes within 5km’s radius of the market.
KPK’s board of investment has submitted its suggestions to KPK government related to the formation of these markets. The suggestions included that the joint committee’s session should be held twice in a year, also the Provincial board of investment and directorate of commerce should be included in it.Officials of the security agencies should be included in it as well.
Atleast 100 traders must be include in the markets, and the 5km radius should be ended to incnlude tourists to this as well. Board has said that the traders should have a special pass instead of the N.I.C. There should be a limit of 200$ purchasing in a day.
A suggestion is to form banks, restaurants, courier services and provide internet to those visiting these markets. The provincial government has said that it is a positive step and it will be helpful in enhancing the trade and the residents will have monetary benefits from it as well.
