PESHAWAR, Oct 22 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the province’s honey industry and addressing the challenges faced by beekeepers and traders.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi visited the Honey Market and the laboratory at Tarnab Farm on the invitation of the All Pakistan Beekeepers, Exporters and Honey Traders Association.

Upon his arrival at the Honey Market, the Governor was warmly received by the association’s president, Sher Zaman, General Secretary Irshad Hussain, and other traders. He inspected various stalls and production units and interacted with people associated with the honey industry.

At Tarnab Farm, Chief Executive of Naran Foods, Haji Abdul Rehman, briefed the Governor in detail about the company’s operations and contributions to the honey sector.

Governor Kundi assured full government cooperation for the promotion of the honey industry and resolution of issues faced by those connected with it. Responding to the welcome address, he suggested that PDMA and NDMA should include honeybees in their disaster management schedules to help compensate for losses during natural calamities.

Highlighting the importance of environmental conservation, he emphasized the need to strictly curb deforestation and promote eco-friendly and profitable tree plantation.

“We are considering a plantation drive along the motorway from Peshawar to Attock, in consultation with the honey industry stakeholders, to plant beneficial trees,” he said.

The Governor also announced full support from the Governor’s House for sending official delegations abroad to promote the province’s honey products internationally and for organizing a “Honey Expo” in Peshawar to introduce Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s natural honey to global markets.

He further said that with the collaboration of NAVTTC, training programs would be arranged for workers and beekeepers to strengthen the industry through modern techniques and best practices.

Meanwhile, a delegation of exporters led by President of the Khyber Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KPCCI) Jawad Hussain Kazmi called on Governor Faisal Karim Kundi at the Governor’s House.

During the meeting, the delegation discussed issues faced by traders and exporters of the province, particularly those related to the border situation and coordination with federal departments.

The exporters informed the Governor that around 6,000 vehicles were stranded on both sides of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border due to its closure.

They stressed that while national security remains their top priority, it is equally important to resolve the logistical challenges arising from the prolonged closure.

The delegation appreciated the Governor’s efforts to connect the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chambers with regional chambers and discussed plans to organize a joint conference of regional chambers in the province, to be hosted by the Governor.

Responding to the delegation’s suggestions, Governor Kundi directed the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to operationalize the modern, technology-equipped slaughterhouse near Tarnab Farm’s facilitation center.

He reiterated that the government and state institutions are fully committed to ensuring both national security and economic growth.

“We must work collectively, rising above minor political and personal interests, to lead our province toward peace and sustainable economic development,” the governor said.

The delegation included Haji Yousaf Afridi, Qadeerullah Wazir, Ali Hammad, Haroon Sabir, Qazi Fazlullah, Umair Nawaz, and Ali Faisal.