Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan said on Tuesday that Karachi was the economic backbone of Pakistan and any economic activity in this mega city had huge bearing on the overall economic development and prosperity of the country.
“After the improvement of law and order in the city, it is once again becoming a city of accelerated investment activities and industrialisation,” he said while addressing a farewell dinner in honour of British Deputy High Commissioner John A Tucknott organised by British Business Centre at Governor House. Senior Minister for Education Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Minister Food Syed Nasir Shah, British High Commission Thomas Drew, CEO British Business Centre Ms Malahat Awan, diplomats of various countries and industrialists were also present on the occasion.
He said when John came to Karachi in 2013 the law and order situation was not ideal and investors were reluctant to invest here. Now the situation had improved considerably with the strenuous efforts of law enforcement agencies and cooperation of the residents which was recognised and appreciated by all, he observed.
He said that Tucknott had endeavoured his utmost for promotion of economic ties between Britain and Pakistan during his stay in Karachi. The people of Sindh would never forget his services in social sector also, he added. He said that the establishment of British Business Centre was also an achievement on the part of Tucknott and this centre would play an important role in enhancing bilateral trade and business. This centre would also provide guidance to British investors for their investment portfolio, he opined.
The governor said that trade activity between the two countries was very much bilateral as many Pakistani businessmen had established their businesses in UK. The people of Pakistan were thankful to British Prime Minister David Cameron for extending support for promotion of democracy and upliftment of social sector, he added.
British High Commissioner Thomas Drew speaking on the occasion said that John was a devoted and dedicated diplomat. He had not only made many friends in Pakistan but also worked for bringing the people of both countries more closer, he commented. John Tucknott said that he would never forget the love and cooperation of people of Pakistan in general and Sindh in particular.
