President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) Mian Zahid Hussain has urged business community to take advantage of the relative conducive environment emerging in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) for investment and divert their investment there. Hussain said that Fata has immense potential for investment because of its advantageous location and hardworking manpower.
The potential of Fata could not be exploited in the past due to security situation and lack of commitment on part of the successive governments but the incumbent government led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif seemed very serious about it, he said. The Army has realised that investment in Fata amounts to investing in bright and secure future of Pakistan, therefore, it has concentrated on it in a way which is resulting in a big change, he added.
Army has also taken a lead in supporting Temporary Displaced Persons (TDPs) in a meaningful way, winning hearts and minds of the people which is not going down well with some politicians, he noted. Under the directives of CoAS General Raheel Sharif, Army has been playing a very positive role in rebuilding Fata and providing relief to TDPs, he said.
Talking to a delegation of businessmen, Mian Zahid said that situation in camps of TDPs was not as painted by some politicians, who have their own objectives to fuel restlessness on the behest of some powers. The sacrifices of Army has changed the situation in Fata to an extent that local and foreign businessmen should start looking at the opportunities in that area, he added He said that law and order situation in FATA during the last decade has forced many industries to close or relocate rendering many jobless.
Army is doing its best while other stakeholders should do more for provision of facilities, civic services, infrastructure building and other development to ensure that youth of the area are engaged in healthy and constructive pursuits. In past US had repeatedly assured to set up Reconstruction Opportunities Zones in Fata but their interest faded for various reasons due to their own priorities and interests. The US sluggishness has not changed the situation on ground and there is a need for massive investment in Fata which Army alone cannot do. The Government should provide special incentives to attract investment in infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, cattle farming, forestry and mineral development in once highly volatile region, he urged.
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