Pak-Afghan trade cannot proceed amid terrorism: Samar Haroon Bilour
PESHAWAR: Adviser to Governor on Information and Public Relations Samar Haroon Bilour on Saturday said normal trade activities between Pakistan and Afghanistan could not resume while terrorist attacks were being launched against Pakistan from Afghan soil and the country’s sovereignty was being challenged. She said the reopening of trade routes depended on addressing Pakistan’s legitimate security…
PESHAWAR: Samar Haroon Bilour, the Governor's Adviser on Information and Public Relations, stated on Saturday that Pakistan and Afghanistan's trade ties would remain suspended while terrorist assaults continued to originate from Afghanistan and Pakistan's sovereignty was being threatened. Bilour emphasized that the resumption of trade channels would hinge on tackling Pakistan's legitimate security concerns and fostering practical cooperation from Afghan authorities.
She urged Kabul to ensure its territory wasn't exploited by militant groups to carry out attacks against Pakistan. Bilour emphasized that while the terrorism threat remains, the province's law and order situation has improved due to heightened police patrolling and better coordination between police and security forces. She highlighted the Area Representative and Development Councils' role in promoting public participation in peacekeeping through local consultations and intelligence-driven operations.
Bilour disclosed that approximately 5,000 to 6,000 personnel, out of roughly 10,000 on private security duties, had been reassigned to police lines for redeployment. The remaining cases were being individually reviewed, considering genuine security threats faced by political and religious leaders. She criticized the Sehat Card program for alleged corruption, influence of vested interests, and preferential treatment in procurement, stressing the need for transparency, accountability, and merit in the program.
Bilour expressed concern over allegations of commissions and kickbacks, stressing that impartial and discrimination-free action against illegal occupation of government land must be taken. She stressed that expecting problems accumulated over 13 years to be resolved within 13 days was unrealistic, but reaffirmed the government's commitment to introducing reforms and taking practical measures to enhance governance.
Bilour also confirmed that Pakistan's national flag had been raised on government buildings and offices in the affected areas.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
