The federal government is working on an expansion and modernisation plan for all quarantine stations across the country, which would cost Rs 450 million, official sources told Business Recorder on Saturday.
They said that the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (Minfal) has planned to expand, revamp and modernise the existing quarantine stations all over the country, which would be completed within the next three years. The project is being undertaken to provide quality infrastructure, which would help improve efficiency of all these stations.
Sources said that the government has almost finalised the working plan for the project and the officials would start development work, first on such quarantine stations, which are situated on the borders.
"We have finalised a development and expansion plan for the quarantine stations that are situated on the borders of China, Iran and Afghanistan," a senior agriculture ministry official from Islamabad said over telephone.
He said that the ministry would also start development and upgrading of quarantine stations that are located at different airports which would not only enhance efficiency but would also take comparatively less time in clearing the goods.
Sources said that the expansion project would be initiated in different phases and the government is also considering country''s seaports for implementation of the said project.
"In fact, there is a dire need to address the issue of manpower scarcity at the quarantine stations across the country, which is one of the major impediments deteriorating efficiency there," the official remarked.
He added that the government would not only expand the quarantine stations but would also provide quality infrastructure and increased workforce. Local livestock importers from India have been complaining since long about pathetic infrastructure provided by the government at Wagah border.
"Our livestock consignments from India are checked on roads by the quarantine officials at Wagah border as they do not have even a single room for conducting different physical and clinical tests," importers regrettably said.
They deplored that the quarantine officials re-conduct those physical and clinical tests which have already been done by Indian quarantine officials, just because they do not have sufficient facilities and a proper checking system.
Importers said that the government should also focus Wagah border as well, as its importance could not be ignored due to its location and this (Wagah) route would play a vital role if trade with India increases by land route in the days to come.
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