KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan Saturday directed the completion of all arrangements for the 24/7 hours opening of Torkham border. He said that Torkham border is being opened for 24/7 hours for first-time; therefore, all concerned institutions should ensure their complete arrangements.
Presiding over a meeting regarding the opening of Torkham border for 24 hours a week here at Chief Minister's House, he further directed the initiation of nigh operation at Torkham border on trial bases from tomorrow (Monday).
Beside, Information Minister Shaukat Yousafzai, Principal Secretary to KP CM, Shahab Ali Shah, Deputy Commissioner (DC), customs authorities, representatives of National Logistic Cell (NLC) and other concerned authorities. The meeting reviewed arrangements for the implementation of the government's decision for the opening of Pak-Afghan Torkham border for 24 hours a week. The chief minister was informed that besides, the deployment of customs personnel all arrangements have been completed. However, so far operation is continued in two shifts.
The chief minister directed the installation of appropriate lights for keeping border open during night and ensuring of operation. He said that the government wants the opening of border for 24 hours and directed all institutions to fulfill their responsibilities. He directed the starting of mid-night operation at the border on experimental bases from tomorrow (Monday) and submission of report to him in this regard. He also hinted at conducting surprise visit to the border any night after September 2, 2019 to review arrangements by himself.
The chief minister said that the provincial government has provided resources for the purpose, therefore, now there should be no deficiency in the arrangements. He said that the opening of Torkham border for 24/7 will enhance and accelerate trading activities and would also make the resolution of the problems at border.