ISLAMABAD: In a significant legislative move, President Asif Ali Zardari has signed the Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill, 2025, transforming it into law. This development marks the establishment of a new statutory body dedicated to overseeing border management and enhancing the efficiency of cross-border movement.
The Pakistan Land Port Authority, now formalized, will serve as a centralized entity to coordinate efforts between various border management agencies. Its primary focus will be to streamline the movement of goods and passengers, minimize delays, and boost trade flows at land ports. With this new authority, Pakistan joins Bangladesh and India in South Asia as a nation with a specialized land port authority.
The authority is expected to significantly improve trade facilitation and cross-border connectivity, fulfilling Pakistan’s commitments under international agreements. This initiative is viewed as a pivotal step towards regional trade integration and bolstering economic ties with neighboring countries.
**Changes in National Finance Commission**
Amid these legislative changes, President Zardari has also sanctioned a revision in the composition of the 11th National Finance Commission (NFC). This revision comes after the Balochistan government nominated Mahfooz Ali Khan as its non-ex officio member, replacing Farmanullah Khan.
Mahfooz Ali Khan’s appointment to the NFC is notable as he has previously served in the 5th, 6th, and 7th NFCs and has held prominent roles in Balochistan’s provincial government. His extensive experience includes tenures as the additional secretary, finance secretary, and other key positions within the region.
**Stricter Measures with Petroleum Amendment Bill**
President Zardari has further endorsed the Petroleum (Amendment) Bill, 2025. This legislation introduces stringent measures against illegal smuggling and unauthorized petroleum operations. The Act authorizes local administrative officials to confiscate illegal petroleum goods and implements IT-based tracking to enhance regulatory transparency. It aims to modernize the petroleum sector and bolster the government’s anti-smuggling and tax compliance efforts.
Moreover, the president has also affirmed the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, further tightening legal frameworks to combat crime.
These legislative decisions are set to have a profound impact on Pakistan’s administrative and economic landscape, enhancing governance and trade efficiencies in the region.
*(Reporting contributed by Syed Irfan Raza in Islamabad and Saleem Shahid in Quetta)*
