Trade routes’ opening via Dorah and Arandu discussed

CHITRAL: Arrangements to open trade routes with Afghanistan through the Shah Salim (Dorah Pass) and Arandu borders were discussed at a meeting here on Friday.

The meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Lower Chitral Naveed Ahmed at the DC office, was attended by Chitral Chamber of Commerce President Sartaj Ahmed, Commandant Chitral Scouts Brig Moinuddin, District Police Officer Wasim Riaz, heads of line departments, representatives of stakeholders, PTI leaders Haji Sultan Muhammad, Israr Saboor, former member district council from aram Chashma  Muhammad Hussain and and security officials.

The participants discussed in details the advantages of opening the border trade routes through the valleys of Garam Chashma (Shah Salim) and Arandu. They also highlighted issues to be faced after the opening of the border with Afghanistan.

Dorah Pass and attached economic advantages

The meeting was informed that a committee had been constituted to come up with its report about acquisition of land in both the villages where customs check posts would be set up.

The laying of fiber optic, provision of electricity and other facilities in the two areas were also discussed.

The participants said that the opening of the borders for trade would open up huge opportunities for trade and other activities for which chambers of commerce and industry of the country should also be involved.

A delegation should also visit Afghanistan to take the government, traders and civil society on board so that maximum benefits could be achieved form the cross-border trade activities.–Karim Ullah