Terrorism-hit businessmen: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government urged to extend relief

Khyber-Pakthunkwha Chamber of Commerce and Industry urged the provincial government to take pragmatic steps for extending relief to terrorism-affected business community and industrialisation in the province. The demand was made by KPCCI President Zahidullah Shinwari during a meeting with Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Industries, Abdul Munim, who visited at the Chamber House here on Wednesday. KPCCI Vice President Mohammad Shafiq, Mohammad Taimoor Shah, executive members, industrialists and traders were also present.
The deteriorating law and order, extortion and kidnapping for ransom are still main concerns of the business community, says Zahidullah Shinwari, while explaining the various issues of the community. He said the businessmen prefer to shift to other provinces due to rapidly emergence of extortion mafia. The cost of businesses has been increased due to insecurity and lawlessness in the province, Shinwari observed.
Terming the withdrawal of fiscal relief package, that was extended by former government to KP terrorism-affected business community, as regrettable step, he asked if the Federal Government was failed to extend any relief to KP business community, then the provincial government to make efforts by itself to give relief to the community. KPCCI chief demanded the KP government to immediate formulate new industrial policy and it should also outline policies in industrial, hydro and other sectors, before attracting foreign investments in the province. He further asked to take proactive step for establishment of new industrial estates, up-gradation of exiting industrial estates, and improvement of infrastructure there.
Special Assistant to Chief Minister on industries while speaking on the occasion fully agreed with proposals and suggestions of the KPCCI, and assured the provincial government will take steps on priority basis to resolve the issues of the business community. Regarding the shifting of machinery of Gadoon Industrial Estate, he said the issue will be discussed with the Chief Minister and assured the government would take business community on board during formulation process of industrial policy in the province.