A cheques distribution ceremony for businesses affected by the terrorism in the province was held on Monday under the auspices of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry, SMEDA and Economic Revitalization of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and FATA (ERKF) project.
As many as 80 cheques amounting to Rs 45 million were distributed among the affectees of the business community on the occasion.
KP Irrigation and Social Welfare Senior Minister Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao said on Monday that the business community of the insurgency-hit province had extended commendable support to the economy of the province and was providing services to the people despite unfavorable conditions.
With that in view, the provincial government too would take all possible measures to address their problems on priority basis besides incorporating their useful proposals in the industrial policy, which, he said, was being finalised in order to achieve the goal of industrial development in the province.
Addressing the cheques distribution ceremony, he said that the KP province had great potentials for producing cheaper hydropower, Sui gas and oil. He said that if utilised optimally, this could put the province on track for speedy progress and prosperity.
The ceremony was also addressed by Special Assistant to KP Chief Minister for Industries Abdul Karim Khan, Peshawar District Nazim Asim Khan, KP Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Zulfiqar Ali Khan and Chief SMEDA Javed Khattak.
“The people of the province including the business community have suffered a lot during the war on terror as we lost a considerable number of men, women and children and daily life remained paralysed,” Sikandar Sherpao said. “Now this province deserves to be compensated and given its due rights and we would raise voice for it at every forum,” he continued.
He also called for improving Pak-Afghan relations at the government, establishment and people to people level so that the goal of restoring lasting peace in the region could be achieved, which was essential for the progress and prosperity of both the neighboring countries.
Referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, he appealed to the federal government to implement the recommendations of the All Parties Conference, held recently, in letter and spirit and initiate work on the western route of the project as this was necessary for removing the sense of deprivation of the smaller provinces.
