Islamabad (City Reporter)
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a province rich in natural resources, tourism, agriculture, minerals, hydropower, and vast reserves of oil and gas, offering numerous opportunities for both local and foreign investors. Supporting the restoration of border routes and trade corridors, he stated that Pakistan should have better access to the Central Asian states to further promote business, trade, and economic activities.
He expressed these views during a meeting with a high-level delegation of the United Business Group (UBG) at his residence in Islamabad. The delegation included Founder Group ICCI Chairman Tariq Sadiq, UBG Secretary General Zafar Bakhtawari, former President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President of Talagang Chamber of Commerce Malik Shabbir Awan, ICCI Executive Member Shumaila Siddiqui, President of Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce Samina Fazil, Group Leader of Rawalpindi Chamber of Small Trade and Small Industries Shahid Ghafoor Paracha, former ICCI Executive Member Imtiaz Abbasi, and others.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said that an International Tourism Summit would soon be organized to promote tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Consultations regarding the summit are underway with Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari and other relevant stakeholders. He added that the proposed Tourism Summit is likely to be held in Nathia Gali and at the Governor House Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He stated that the summit would help project a positive image of Pakistan around the world, open new avenues for the tourism sector, and create fresh opportunities for investment and local economic growth.
Emphasizing the importance of women’s economic empowerment, the Governor said that women associated with handicrafts and cottage industries are not receiving compensation commensurate with their skills. He noted that the business and industrial community of Islamabad can play a significant role in helping these skilled women gain access to national and international markets. He further stated that the business community’s connections with diplomatic circles and high-level institutions could assist in the effective promotion and marketing of products made by women.
Tariq Sadiq said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa possesses extraordinary potential in the fields of investment, tourism, and minerals, and that close cooperation between the private sector and the government is essential to capitalize on these opportunities. He added that the business community is fully prepared to play its role in the province’s economic development.
Zafar Bakhtawari stated that the promotion of inter-provincial and international trade links is crucial for Pakistan’s economic growth. He said that improved access to Central Asian states and the restoration of trade corridors would benefit not only Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but the entire national economy.
Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari welcomed the Governor’s announcement regarding the International Tourism Summit and said that Pakistan, particularly the tourist destinations of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, deserves greater international recognition. He added that the business community would provide every possible support to promote tourism, investment, and Pakistan’s positive image globally.
Ahsan Bakhtawari further said that Chambers of Commerce, business organizations, and diplomatic missions can adopt a joint strategy to help skilled women market their products in international markets.
Malik Shabbir Awan stressed the need to further strengthen business relations between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, while Shumaila Siddiqui and Samina Fazil emphasized the importance of creating better marketing and export opportunities for women entrepreneurs and skilled female artisans.