Pakistan's regional govt. orders end to NATO transportation station
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, Feb. 20, IRNA-- A regional government in Pakistan has ordered closure of a transportation station for NATO forces based in Afghanistan, a minister told regional assembly on Thursday.
The private transportation station to facilitate NATO forces was established on 12-acre land at Fateh Jang, a town in eastern Punjab province.
“The Punjab government has ordered the local administration to wind up the NATO transportation system,” Law Minister Rana Sanaulah told the assembly.
An opposition lawmaker Sher Ali Khan raised the issue in the house and said that transportation system has been set up for supplies of NATO forces in Afghanistan.
Khan said that arms and other items are supplied from the station.
The provincial minister confirmed to the house that a person has given the land on rent for the NATO supplies trucks, adding that the land has been given without permission from Punjab government.
Sanaulalh also said that NATO supplies trucks are parked at the station before their journey to Afghanistan.
The members welcomed closure of the station by thumping desks.
Officials say that some 70 per cent oil and other items are supplied to U.S and NATO forces in Afghanistan through Pakistan.
NATO oil tankers and trucks are frequently attacked by suspected militants in the north-western city of Peshawar and the Khyber tribal region. December was the worst month for NATO trucks as the militants torched around 300 trucks and military vehicles in Peshawar.
In view of security concerns, the U.S has struck deal with Russia and Central Asian states for transportation of supplies to forces in Afghanistan.
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