Stronger public-private partnership, investment-friendly reforms imperative for economic growth; Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR, Jun 06 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday said that the business community played a key role in strengthening the national economy and promoting employment, praising its services despite challenging conditions.

He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony held at the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Peshawar. The event was attended by SCCI President Junaid Altaf, Senator Mohsin Aziz, Ghanzafar Bilour and a large number of traders.

The Governor said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa holds immense economic potential due to its natural resources, youthful workforce, and strategic geographic location, stressing the need to effectively utilize the province’s economic assets. He said creating a conducive environment for investment remains a top government priority.

He added that facilitating the business community and removing obstacles in the way of investment is part of the government’s vision.

“We will further accelerate and make the investment process more transparent by eliminating barriers,” he said, adding that restoring the confidence of local and foreign investors is a matter of urgent importance.

Governor Kundi said that the private sector acts as a driving force of the economy, while the government serves as a facilitator. He said that developed economies progress through strong partnerships between the public and private sectors, adding that efforts for industrial growth and improved trade activities will continue.

He said resolving the issues of the business community remains among the government’s top priorities, and appreciated the role of SCCI in contributing to the economic development of the province. He expressed resolve to work together for a prosperous, strong, and developed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Speaking to media, the Governor said that the Governor House and Chief Minister House will work jointly for the rights of the province, and he will continue to act as a bridge between the federation and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said all political parties must unite for resolving provincial issues, adding that internal differences within political groups are their own matter. He added that it is too early to predict political outcomes, and referred to broader political developments including elections in Gilgit Baltistan.

Governor Kundi termed inter-provincial restrictions on wheat transportation unconstitutional, saying such barriers must be removed immediately.

He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take urgent steps to resolve wheat supply issues and called for removing obstacles in procurement from Sindh as well.

He remarked that facilitating wheat movement should not be made more difficult than transporting valuable goods, and questioned restrictions affecting supply to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He stressed the need for improved coordination between the federation and provinces to address public issues effectively.

The Governor further said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had made immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and despite of limited resources, police personnel were bravely confronting militants. He said that investment growth was linked with peace and stability in the province.

He also said that FBR policies were affecting business activities and harassment of traders was leading to business closures. He urged the federal government to take notice. He has already raised traders’ concerns with the Prime Minister, he added.