ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Commerce, led by Senator Anusha Rahman, convened at the Parliament House to address pressing issues in Pakistan’s trade sector. The committee scrutinized agenda items concerning trade facilitation, regulatory frameworks, and institutional mechanisms crucial for the country’s trade growth.
The committee expressed dissatisfaction over the continued non-functionality of the Badini Border crossing, which was inaugurated in September 2020 but remains unopened due to poor infrastructure and inadequate support from the Afghan side. The Ministry of Commerce had committed to opening the border by September 12, 2025. The committee called for accelerated efforts on a 40-kilometer road project and urged better coordination among the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Interior, and the Government of Balochistan. It advocated for a focal person to be appointed and emphasized the need for parallel efforts on the Afghan side, proposing a site visit later in September 2025.
Discussions also covered the challenges traders face under the current barter trade arrangement with Iran, particularly issues related to SRO 642(1)/2023. Concerns were raised about bureaucratic delays within the Commerce Ministry. The committee directed that the barter trade framework must be facilitative and urged the Ministry of Commerce to work with other relevant bodies to finalize amendments that safeguard trader interests while ensuring compliance with international obligations.
The committee reviewed the process of establishing chambers of commerce for foreign countries operating in Pakistan, noting inefficiencies due to bureaucratic hurdles and outdated policies. The need to streamline procedures and align practices with international models was emphasized. The committee sought a revised policy framework by early October to enhance trade facilitation in line with the Prime Minister’s objectives.
Additionally, the committee reviewed various MoUs and protocols, emphasizing the need for implementation mechanisms to ensure agreements yield tangible outcomes. The Ministry of Commerce had shared a list of 148 companies with the Board of Investment for follow-up. The committee underscored the necessity for coordinated efforts to avoid gaps in follow-up and maximize potential under these agreements.
Sector-specific export councils were also discussed, with their number increased from 17 to 20. The committee stressed the need for meaningful consultations with stakeholders, particularly in Balochistan, and highlighted issues such as weak infrastructure and high energy costs that hinder growth. It called for export roadmaps to address cross-cutting supply chain issues and safeguard domestic produce from non-tariff barriers.
The committee briefly discussed the release of retrospective salary payments, noting that such matters fall under the authority of the relevant boards.
The functioning of State-Owned Enterprises was reviewed, with concerns raised about privatization and accountability frameworks. The committee directed that the Privatization Division and the Central Monitoring Unit be invited to the next meeting for detailed discussions.
The meeting was attended by several senators and senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce and related departments.