In Punjab, the Integrated Check Post ICP at Attari-Wagah border between India and Pakistan will be inaugurated by the Union Home Minister, Mr. P. Chidambaram, today. He will be accompanied by the Union Commerce Minister, Mr. Anand Sharma, Union Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Perneet Kaur, Union Minister of State for Planning, Mr. Ashwani Kumar and Chief Minister of Punjab, Mr. Prakash Singh Badal. Whereas, Chief Minister of Pakistan’s Punjab, Janab Shehbaz Sharief will represent Pakistan.
Our Correspondent reports that this is the first ICP in the country constructed along the international border.Spread over an area of about 130 acres and constructed in a span of two years at a cost of nearly 150 crore rupees, this much awaited check post is expected to boost trade between India and Pakistan five times more in the coming years. It will also give a fillip to people to people ties between the neighbouring countries. Pakistan is having a similar ICP at their own side at Wagah. This technologically equipped ICP is having a dedicated cargo and passenger terminals for smooth transition under one roof. Secretary, Department of Border Management, Mr. E. Ahmed believes that this Integrated Check Post would also increase employment opportunities leading to better economic status of border area residents. This is Rajesh Bali for AIR News.”