Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, while addressing the opening ceremony of the refurbished Mohsin Hall at the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on Saturday, lauded the role of the business community in economic growth despite challenges and emphasized the need for public-private partnership to efficiently tap the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's rich potential.
Inauguration of Mohsin Hall
On the occasion, Governor Kundi, along with SCCI President Junaid Altaf, businessmen forum leader and former president of FPCCI and SCCI Mohsin Aziz, executive members, traders' leaders, and members, formally inaugurated the fully revamped Mohsin Hall at the chamber house.
SCCI President Highlights Traders' Issues
In his opening remarks, President Junaid Altaf highlighted the traders' issues, especially the unconstitutional ban on wheat transportation and the prolonged closure of trade routes. He called for formulating consistent and sustainable policies in consultation with the business community. He said that the suspension of the Export Development Fund (EDF) has caused delay in completion of the Peshawar Expo Centre Project and urged the Governor to take up the funding issue with the centre to complete this important project. He also called for equalization of the salary package of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police force to that of Punjab.
Junaid Altaf said that SCCI, in collaboration with government institutions, is working on economic growth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and would soon organize an exhibition titled "Made in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa" and an Ambassadors conference to highlight the province's rich potential and attract investment. He thanked the Governor for highlighting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's constitutional rights, especially taking up the suspension of wheat supply from Punjab and gas supply to the CNG sector.
Addresses by Former Presidents
SCCI ex-president Mohsin Aziz, Businessmen Forum leader and former FPCCI president Ghazanfar Bilour, SCCI office-bearers, members of the executive committees, and trade leaders, importers, and exporters were present in large numbers during the opening ceremony. Mohsin Aziz and Ghazanfar Bilour also addressed the ceremony and lauded the efforts of Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for effectively taking up the case of the province.
Mohsin Aziz said the people and business community of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa always played a forefront role in the war against terrorism, adding that the business community faced huge financial loss due to the prolonged closure of the Pak-Afghan border. He lamented that the federal government always ignored the business community in policy and decision making, which is highly regrettable. He also said that the commercial banks' role is also negative in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Governor's Commitment
Governor Kundi reaffirmed the government's commitment to providing a favourable environment for business and industry, which is highly crucial for economic stability and progress. He pledged that the government will sustain efforts for a conducive business climate, peace, prosperity, and business-friendly policies. He also assured that issues raised by the SCCI will be taken up at central and provincial levels. Governor Kundi also proposed the formation of a committee of the chamber's senior members and government officials to jointly raise Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's issues and rights.
While talking about Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's rights on natural resources, he said that he did talk with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the closure of CNG and wheat supply from Punjab. He emphasized collective efforts to gain all constitutional rights for the people of the province.
