RAWALPINDI: A traders’ body on Thursday offered their support in all initiatives for development in cantonment areas.

They also said that they will help the cantonment boards of Rawalpindi and Chaklala.

This was conveyed to Station Commander and President Cantonment Board Brig Ijaz Qamar Kayani, during his visit to Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).

RCCI officials gave a presentation and briefing on RCCI Gwadar Business Conference and the Glorious Rawalpindi Project and City Development.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Kayani said all stakeholders have to work together for the development, beautification and promotion of business activities in the cantonment, adding, remodeling of Ammar Chowk and Kachehri Chowk will begin in January 2021 and will be completed in a year.

To resolve the issue of parking in Saddar, he said, Potohar parking has been built. “Free parking is also being created for salesmen and customers,” he added.

Necessary amendments are being made to the rules for high-rise buildings, he said, adding, Iesco will complete work in two months to fix hanging power wires in the city while concrete steps are being taken for beautification of cantonment areas.

RCCI President Nasir Mirza said it was an honour for RCCI to take the delegation to Gwadar twice, adding, Balochistan is undoubtedly rich in natural resources.

The government of Balochistan should give maximum incentives to exporters of dates as due to lack of facilities and modern processing plants, dates are exported to neighbouring Iran in raw form.

RCCI Group leader Sohail Altaf said that the business community will work with cantonment authorities for the development and beautification of cantonment areas.

Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) CEO Omar Farooq, Chaklala Cantonment Board CEO Wasim Shahid, RCCI Senior Vice President Usman Ashraf, Vice President Shahraiz Malik and representatives of Anjuman-e-Tajiran and chamber members were also present.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2020