ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Finance Rana Mohammad Afzal had a meeting with the Afghan delegation attending the Pak-Afghan Joint Committee (PAJC) meeting in Islamabad organised by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Pakistan as part of its Track II initiative ‘Beyond Boundaries’.
The delegation led by the advisor to CEO on Trade and Regional Cooperation Mozammal Shinwari, also included the Executive Director and Head of Afghanistan High Peace Council Abdul Hakim Mujahid, Member of Parliament Elay Ershad, Member of Parliament Rangina Kargar, Dy Speaker Nangarhar Provincial Council Lal Mohammad Durrani, Former Governor Nangarhar Province Salim Khan Kanduzi, Former Dy Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Qutabuddin Royeedar, Advisor to CEO on Refugees Feridoon Sikandar. Project Director CRSS Pakistan Aizad Ali, and Executive Director CRSS Pakistan Imtiaz Gul were also present at the occasion.
During the meeting, the attendees focused on problems being faced in the realm of transit trade and measures for trade facilitation. Both sides agreed that a new customs clearance facility at Torkham needs to be completed in the shortest possible time so that excessive delays could be avoided. The Minister also assured the delegation of his support for speedy customs clearance at the ports to facilitate early movement of containers.
It was also discussed that the scholarships being offered to Afghan students could also be made available to Afghan refugee families in Pakistan.
The delegation apprised the Minister that the Afghan Government is making concerted efforts for the resettlement of Afghan refugees back home with plans to facilitate two million refugees in two years.
The Minister on the occasion appreciated the statement by the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani wherein he mentioned about unconditional dialogue with Afghani Taliban and also having talks with the Government of Pakistan to resolve the Afghan crisis.
The delegation thanked Rana Afzal for sparing time for the meeting and for frank discussions with members of the delegation on different matters. The Minister, it may be mentioned specially flew in from Karachi Thursday morning to meet the delegation at the Rawal Lounge before the latter’s departure for Afghanistan.
