BAHAWALPUR, Oct 17: Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Tahir Jamil has urged the federal government to declare the division a tax-free zone for at least a decade to ensure rapid industrialization.

Stating at a press conference here on Wednesday, Mr Jamil urged the government to establish new industrial estates in Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan for the good of capitalists.

He regretted that despite the approval by the ministry of commerce, the divisional office of the Export Promotion Bureau has not yet been opened for the convenience of importers and exporters.

Mr Jamil also demanded that the runway of the Bahawalpur airport should be expanded so that large aircraft could land here. He also sought restoration of the old route of up and down Shalimar Express to ensure travelling facility to Lahore.

Meanwhile, the BCCI office-bearers expressed dissatisfaction over the defective communication system and urged the authorities concerned to provide more internet channels.

ARRESTED: Cantonment police on Wednesday arrested three activists of various religious parties who were booked by the police under MPO 16 the other day for protesting against the US strikes on Afghanistan. They are: Farooq, Yaseen and Ghulam Mohyuddin.