LAHORE – Construction of new storage sheds with raised platform and waiting area at Wagha Border, as per newly-approved master plan, is about to commence shortly.
The 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, observed Director Dry Ports and Border Terminals Brigadier Javaid Iqbal. The Director Dry Ports and Border Terminals said that the development of infrastructure is being given a special focus with a view the facilitate importers and exporters. He said that Wagha Border Terminal would soon be turned into a facility at par with international standards as work in this regard is at advance stage.
Replying to a query about private vehicles in Wagha Border Terminal at a function at LCCI, Brigadier Javaid Iqbal said that since the terminal is a bonded area therefore allowing private cars would create a lot of security and administration problems. Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Farooq Iftikhar said that he is thankful to the Director Dry Ports and Border Terminals for making personal efforts to resolve the long standing issue of Demurrage Days.
He said that 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, however, urged the Director Dry Ports and Border Terminals to take Chamber on board while finalizing agreement for labour charges for loading & unloading.
He said that the 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. He said that he 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 is not catering the needs of the businessmen fully.
Vice President Mian Abuzar Shad, Convener LCCI Standing Committee for Pak-India trade Promotion Aftab Ahmad Vohra, former President Mian Muzaffar Ali, former Senior Vice President Abdul Basit and Executive Committee Member Mian Zahid Javaid also spoke on the occasion.