Governor Kundi calls for economic diplomacy, investment-friendly environment

PESHAWAR, Jul 21 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Tuesday said Pakistan’s role on the global stage had become more significant than ever, urging stronger economic diplomacy, sustainable peace and an investment-friendly environment to unlock the country’s economic potential.

Addressing a conference titled “From Marka-e-Haq to Global Mediation, Diplomacy and Economic Opportunities” at the Governor House, he said the recent regional and international developments had demonstrated Pakistan’s responsible conduct, diplomatic maturity and balanced approach.

The conference was organized by the International Research Council for Religious Affairs in collaboration with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF).

The Governor said Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had played an effective role in advancing Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement at the international level.

He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa served as a historic gateway connecting South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East, adding that with effective planning the province could emerge as a major hub of regional trade, investment and connectivity.

Kundi said the province possessed vast reserves of minerals, oil, gas, hydropower resources, precious stones and immense tourism potential. Establishment of oil refineries in the province, he added, would promote industrialization, create employment opportunities and help reduce unemployment.

He termed economic diplomacy a key pillar of Pakistan’s development, saying tourism, education, technology, cultural exchanges and trade could further strengthen the country’s economy and international image.

The Governor said overseas Pakistanis were the country’s best ambassadors and could play a vital role in economic stability. He stressed the need to facilitate overseas Pakistanis, industrialists, businessmen and farmers, saying effective economic reforms could also reduce dependence on international financial institutions.

He said the country’s youth were its greatest asset and emphasized providing them with quality education, modern technology, technical skills and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Kundi called for organizing similar academic and diplomatic forums in major world capitals, including Washington, Beijing, Brussels, Geneva, Vienna, Moscow and London, to project Pakistan’s positive narrative more effectively.

He also underscored the importance of providing one-window facilities and a conducive environment for investors, saying the prevailing law and order situation in the Dera Ismail Khan Daraban Economic Zone remained a major hurdle to investment.

The Governor urged the provincial government to ensure effective coordination with the federal government for resolving issues relating to economic zones, adding that sustainable peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was essential for investment, industrial growth and public prosperity.

Earlier, policy experts, diplomats, parliamentarians, religious leaders, educationists, business representatives and overseas Pakistanis also addressed the conference, emphasizing the promotion of Pakistan’s positive image and the exploration of new economic opportunities through diplomacy and regional cooperation.

A resolution adopted on the occasion supported Pakistan’s appeal for a ceasefire between the United States and Iran and called for effective implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. It also paid tribute to the prime minister, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the negotiating team, media, political and religious parties, and civil society for their contributions during Marka-e-Haq.