The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government to announce a special compensation package for traders affected by the recent gas pipeline explosion in Qissa Khawani bazaar. In a statement issued on Wednesday, SCCI President Junaid Altaf, along with Vice Presidents Muhammad Nadeem and Sabir Bangash, highlighted that traders suffered losses amounting to millions of rupees due to the explosion, yet no compensation has been provided by the government.
Role of Traders in Economic Development
The SCCI president emphasized that traders play a crucial role in the economic development of the region through tax contributions and job creation. He stated that sustaining businesses and industries under the current unfavorable conditions is akin to a holy war in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Altaf stressed the urgent need for compensation to enable affected traders to restore their businesses and continue contributing to the economy.
Challenges Faced by the Business Community
Altaf noted that traders are already grappling with difficulties due to the prevailing economic scenario, which has slowed industrial growth and led to mass unemployment in the province. He asserted that providing financial relief and facilities to the trading community should be a top priority for the government. The chamber chief urged immediate action to alleviate the hardships faced by the affected traders.
The SCCI's demand comes in the wake of the gas pipeline blast, which caused significant damage to shops and properties in the historic Qissa Khawani market. The explosion disrupted business activities and left many traders struggling to recover their losses. The chamber reiterated its commitment to supporting the business community and called on the government to fulfill its responsibility in mitigating the impact of such incidents.
