PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra on Monday promised the announcement of a new financial package for the militancy-hit businessmen and traders in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

At the same time, he urged businessmen and traders to benefit from the facilities offered under the multibillion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project.

The governor was speaking at a reception given for him by the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry on its premises here.

Earlier in 2010, the federal government had announced a financial package for the KP and Fata businessmen and traders affected by militant activities.

Governor asks business community to benefit from facilities offered under CPEC project

The governor told the event that the federal government had been approached for the provision of Rs90 billion annually under the NFC Award for Fata reforms in the next 10 years. He said entrepreneurs and traders should contribute the due, significant role to national development by availing themselves of the opportunities offered under the CPEC project.

Referring to the demands of business community, Mr. Jhagra said he would speak to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and federal finance minister Ishaq Dar for the resolution of the problems facing KP and Fata businessmen.

“Peace has been restored both in KP and Fata due to the massive sacrifices offered by the people as well as Pakistan Army and security forces personnel. Now, we must focus our attention on ways to increase investment to strengthen economy,” he said.

The governor said KP and Fata didn’t have shortage of natural resources but there was a dire need for their efficient utilisation.

“If we succeed in making the best utilisation of the means available to us, not only the economic condition of the province and Fata will improve but other parts of the country, too, will greatly benefit from it,” he said.

The governor said the CPEC project not only promised the checking of unemployment but also turn Pakistan into a prosperous and stable country.

Earlier, SCCI president Haji Mohammad Afzal demanded of the governor for help in the announcement of a new financial package for the militancy-hit KP and Fata businessmen.

He also complained the Federal Bureau of Revenue employees harassed businessmen and traders in the name of audit and thus, forcing them out of tax net.

The SCCI chief also spoke about the problems facing business community and poor economic condition and suggested corrective measures. Swat Chamber of Commerce president Ahmad Khan, noted industrialist Ghazanfar Bilour and industrialists and traders from all over the province were also present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, January 10th, 2017