Wagah Border trade terminal launch in the offing

[Salman]

LAHORE: Director Dry Ports and Border Terminals Brigadier Javaid Iqbal has said Wagah Border Terminal would soon be turned into a facility at par with international standards as work in this regard was at advance stage.
Talking with members of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Tuesday he said the development of infrastructure was being given a special focus with a view the facilitate importers and exporters.
He said construction of new storage sheds with raised platform and waiting area as per newly approved master plan wa about to commence shortly.
National Logistic Cell (NLC) is making all out efforts for early installation of a second scanner at Wagha Terminal to curtail scanning timings that is one of the issues being faced by the businessmen.
About private vehicles in Wagha Border Terminal, Iqbal said since the terminal was a bonded area therefore allowing private cars would create a lot of security and administration problems.
LCCI President Farooq Iftikhar said the decisions with regard to construction of new storage sheds with raised platform and waiting area spacious enough to cater to the future needs of business community are also appreciable.
He urged the Director Dry Ports and Border Terminals to take the Lahore Chamber on board while finalising agreement for labour charges for loading and unloading.
LCCI members often complain about the unsafe conditions at port area. The NLC authority needs to take safety measures that are necessary to promote trade through land route.
LCCI would soon be writing a letter to the State Bank of Pakistan for the establishment of National Bank branch at the Terminal, as the exiting booth was not catering the needs of the businessmen fully.