The National Assembly passed the Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill 2025 on Thursday, marking a significant step toward streamlining cross-border trade and travel. Once ratified by the Senate and signed by President Asif Ali Zardari, Pakistan will become the third South Asian country—after Bangladesh and India—to have a centralized body managing land ports. The authority will oversee inter-agency coordination, reducing bottlenecks at key border crossings such as Taftan and Chaman.
While the bill was introduced by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s team, PPP’s Syed Naveed Qamar highlighted his party’s reservations, leading to negotiations and 12 amended clauses. These changes, accepted without objection, refined the legislation’s framework. The PPP had first attempted to create a similar authority in 2012, followed by PTI in 2021 and PML-N in 2016—showing a rare consensus on its necessity.
The new body will enforce standardized procedures for cargo and passenger movement, aligning with international trade commitments. It proposes a 16-member governing council and mandates advanced scanning technology to combat smuggling and illegal immigration. Currently, the absence of a single coordinating agency causes delays and security gaps—a problem the authority aims to resolve through centralized oversight.
By modernizing infrastructure and improving efficiency, the authority seeks to enhance Pakistan’s regional trade competitiveness. The bill also emphasizes strategic border control, critical for national security. With land ports serving as vital trade arteries, this reform could unlock economic potential while addressing long-standing logistical challenges. The Senate’s approval is now the final hurdle before implementation begins.