Pakistan Establishes New Land Port Authority to Boost Regional Trade

Pakistan Establishes New Land Port Authority to Boost Regional Trade
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President Asif Ali Zardari has given his assent to the Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill, 2025, which will create a statutory body to manage border crossings and streamline the movement of people and goods, according to a report by Dawn.com.

The new authority aims to coordinate with various border management agencies, enhance trade, and improve connectivity with neighboring countries. The establishment of this body makes Pakistan the third country in South Asia, after Bangladesh and India, to have a dedicated land port authority.

The article also notes that President Zardari approved two other pieces of legislation: a change in the constitution of the 11th National Finance Commission and the Petroleum (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The Petroleum Bill strengthens measures against smuggling and illegal petroleum operations by empowering officials to confiscate illicit products and vehicles, introducing IT-based tracking, and increasing penalties.