Commerce Minister Refuses to Sign Off on Pakistan Land Port Authority

The Federal Minister of Commerce, Syed Naveed Qamar, is withholding his signature for the establishment of the Pakistan Land Port Authority (PLPA) in the cabinet. He has expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of consultation with his ministry regarding the matter.

The PLPA aims to enhance trade and reduce business costs by facilitating inter-agency coordination for the movement of goods and people across borders at designated land port entry points. Proposed under the Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STRF) 2012-15, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) had approved financing for the establishment of PLPA.

The transformation of land port entry points into integrated checkpoints would have streamlined immigration, customs, cargo security, and quarantine processes, allowing for faster transportation of people, vehicles, and goods. The initial focus of PLPA was set to be on three major points: Wahgah, Chaman, and Torkham, with the possibility of expansion to other locations

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The PLPA was developed according to international standards and received approval through the current government budget and existing public sector officials in Phase-I, following scrutiny by the Prime Minister’s Office and PLPA Steering Committee.

Under the Rules of Business 1973, the Revenue Division was required to obtain in-principle approval from the cabinet. It had prepared a proposal outlining the mandate, legal framework, governance, and administrative structure of PLPA to ensure its legal basis.

However, when seeking the in-principle approval, Commerce Minister Naveed Qamar objected, stating that his ministry was not consulted despite being a key stakeholder. Subsequently, the cabinet granted approval to the Pakistan Land Port Authority summary, subject to the consent of the Commerce Ministry.