Special division to ‘manage’ border issues

Imran directs depts to restore historic tourist sites to their original form

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday ordered formation of a special division to “manage” border issues.

The decision was taken in a meeting, chaired by the prime minister, and attended by federal ministers Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Shibli Faraz, Brig (retd) Ijaz Ahmad Shah, Ali Haider Zaidi and PM’s Special Assistant Moeed Yusuf, in addition to military and civilian officials.

The meeting was informed that though 10 different ministries at the federal level in addition to agencies at the provincial governments have been involved in border management, the country lacks a central body to look after border issues.

The special division would work under additional secretary of the Ministry of Interior. All the agencies concerned are ordered to provide timely information and cooperate in data sharing with the division.

“The government believes in free but secure borders,” the prime minister said. He directed that practical steps should be taken to secure borders as well as trade activities, especially between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

During the meeting, the participants mulled over forming a central body to keep a check on border travel/ trade. It was noted that there was an urgent need to collect details of persons entering Pakistan by land, air and sea.

The officials were also apprised about the progress of work on various border crossing systems and border fencing.

Tourism

Separately, while chairing the meeting of the National Coordinating Committee on Tourism, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Pakistan “is rich in natural resources in terms of tourism and the promotion of tourism will help improve the country’s economy and alleviate poverty”.

He directed the departments concerned to restore historic tourist sites in their original form. Also, the prime minister directed building chairlifts or pedestrian tracks instead of allowing vehicular access to tourist spots so that the natural beauty of the place could be maintained.

He further directed to make rules and regulations for timely solution of various issues, including prevention of encroachments at tourist places across the country, proper arrangement of sanitation and construction as per approved map.

Looted money

In another meeting, prevention of money laundering, measures for recovery of looted money and overall economic situation were discussed. The prime minister said illegal transfer of money was the main cause of backwardness and poverty in poor countries.

“Bringing back the looted money is among the top priorities of the government,” he said.

Construction and environmental protection New Pakistan Housing Development Authority Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Anwar Ali Haider and Pakistan Islands Authority Chairman Imran Amin called on the prime minister and briefed him on the constructions and environmental protection measures in the projects.