PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday said the province had vast potential for industrial development, so there was a need for a comprehensive and practical strategy to fully explore it for creating employment and strengthening the provincial economy.
He was chairing a meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company (EZDMC) at Governor House here.
Officials briefed the governor on the EZDMC’s administrative structure, performance, achievements, future targets, economic zones, revenue generation and other related matters.
Adviser to the governor on industries Mohammad Irshad, secretary of the industries department and other senior officials attended the meeting.
Officials said that 15 economic zones were currently functional across the province, while plans were under way to establish seven more.
They added that the company had so far facilitated the creation of around 107,000 employment opportunities.
Officials highlighted issues confronting various economic zones, including the Yaka Ghund Marble City, Katlang Economic Zone and other proposed industrial projects.
Governor Kundi said promotion of industries could generate thousands of employment opportunities for the people and play a vital role in ensuring sustainable economic growth. He emphasised encouraging private sector investment by providing a business-friendly environment and facilitating investors under the Ease of Doing Business Policy.
Mr Kundi directed authorities to resolve functional issues of economic zones on a priority basis and asked them to consult the Finance Department regarding land acquisition and payment-related matters for new economic zone projects and present practical proposals.
He also instructed officials to convene immediate meetings with relevant federal and provincial departments to address the issues facing economic zones, ensuring all stakeholders were taken into confidence for effective and practical solutions.
The governor said matters relating to federal departments should be taken up with the federal government for timely resolution and stressed the need to address security concerns, site selection and other administrative challenges affecting economic zones.
He said that some economic zones were located in areas facing law and order challenges. He called for a comprehensive review to devise workable solutions so that industrial activities could be initiated there.
Mr Kundi directed authorities to expedite action for resolving financial issues and legal disputes, remove all obstacles affecting the functionality of economic zones and ensure early progress on pending matters.
Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2026
