Legislative Council rejects resolution on making LoC travel hassle-free

The Legislative Council on Monday rejected a private member resolution moved by a National Conference lawmaker for converting the LoC trade facilitation centres into modern travel and trade centres and making cross-LoC travel more hassle-free for cultural troupes, students, pilgrims, patients and tourists.
While initiating the debate on the resolution, MLC Shenaz Ganai said the House should adopt her resolution for taking steps to convert the LoC trade centres into modern travel and trade centres and allow banking at each centre. She also suggested that there should be a multiple-entry document to provide hassle-free movement to cultural troupes, students, pilgrims, patients and tourists across the LoC.
She said the opening of cross-LoC points and cross-LoC trade had failed to consolidate peace efforts in the region.
Replying to the resolution, Law Minister Abdul Haq Khan while responding on behalf of the Chief Minister who is in charge of Home said the government was already trying to open more cross-LoC points to facilitate greater movement of people and goods across the borders in the region.
“Our Chief Minister has already said in the House that the state government has taken up the matter regarding the opening of more cross-LoC points with the Centre and we are hopeful of a positive movement forward on the issue as serious discussions are on in this regard. At this point I don’t think that there is any need for passing a resolution in the House as we are already taking up these issues raised by the member in the resolution,” Khan said.
However, the MLC stressed that she would not withdraw her resolution. The resolution which was put to vote was rejected by the House.