KARACHI: Sindh Governor Imran Ismail Sunday said that Pakistan is ready to open Khokharapar border but this time, India should take the initiative.
The governor was addressing a ceremony on the second day of 14th Build Asia Exhibition on Sunday.
“Since independence, Pakistan has survived without any help from India and there will be no assistance required in future,” he said, adding that talks need to take place on the basis of equality.
Imran Ismail said that the exhibition was the contribution to the growth of the construction industry. He added that the government would fully support the organisers of the exhibition, adding that the federal government had taken serious notice of gas supply suspension to industries.
The Sindh governor went on to say that the government believed to resolves issues through talks, adding that that the federal government had assured that no government department would create hurdles for industries in future. He also said that the government had finalised arrangements to supply gas to industries and CNG sector on a priority basis.
Talking about the Kashmir, the governor said that the peace in the region would only be possible through the resolution of Kashmir issue.
Imran Ismail said that the provincial government was reluctant to cooperate with him and was not even responding. He added that hurdles were being created to discourage the federal government from completing development projects.
Karachi Commander Rear Admiral Asif Khaliq performed the ribbon-cutting on the second day of the exhibition. He said that new horizons were opening for Pakistan, adding that the foreigners were visiting Pakistan realizing the potential of the country.
The commander also said that the exhibition would prove a platform for foreign investment.
On the second day of Build Asia Exhibition, a large number of foreign delegates and business leaders visited various stalls.
Gateway Pakistan President Khursheed Nizam said that many agreements were signed with foreign companies, adding that foreign and local businessmen were showing interests in various items displayed at the exhibition.
Moreover, around eight Iranian companies active in the field of construction are participating in the 14th edition of International Build Asia Exhibition, which is being held in Karachi from December 15-17.
According to Mahmoud Haji Yousefipour, Iran’s commercial attaché to Pakistan, the Iranian representatives are showcasing building material and tools, including cooling and heating systems, fireproof and waterproof building products, door knobs, construction machinery, concreting instruments, and firebricks.
Around 250 delegates from 20 countries, including USA, UK, Iran, Italy, China, Germany, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, Turkey, Oman and UAE are attending the event.
The official said that Build Asia is a good opportunity to provide a networking platform for Iranian engineers, contractors, builders and consultants to strengthen their foothold in the neighbouring country’s construction industry.
Iran and Pakistan enjoy longstanding economic and political relations. According to Haji Yousefipour, Iran’s trade balance with Pakistan currently stands at $665 million.
Tiles, ceramics, cement, mineral fuels, distillation products, fruits, nuts, organic chemicals, plastics, iron and steel, soaps, lubricants, waxes, and candles are among the goods Iran sends to Pakistan.
