State Minister for Interior, Dr Waseem Shahzad, on Saturday said that traders and industrialists would be provided flawless security and safety so that they could carry on their commercial activities free from fear. He gave this assurance during his visit to Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ICCI).
ICCI President Zubair Ahmed Malik welcomed Shahzad at ICCI secretariat. Others present were ICCI Senior Vice President Ahmed Mukhtar, Khalid Javed, Akram Farid, Shaukat Masud, Sadiq Tahir, Karim Aziz Malik and Suhail Malik.
The minister said that the government was fully aware of the problems of Islamabad-based traders and would take all possible steps for their solution. He in particular mentioned his directive to the subordinate departments of his ministry such as Capital Development Authority (CDA).
He told ICCI members that CDA would ensure participation of local traders in decision making process. He supported the idea of holding exhibition in the capital but cautioned that such activities could not be allowed for running parallel shops and markets.
He said that he would time and again visit ICCI secretariat to seek guidance from his friends.
Zubair congratulated Waseem on appointment as State Minister for Interior and hoped that he would play a role in his official capacity to resolve the problems of the local traders and industrialists. He said that traders were facing problems due to poor relations with CDA management. He recommended changes in CDA board and its master plan for Islamabad. The ICCI President also demanded revision of CDA bylaws to tailor them to the demand of changing environment. Zubair advocated setting up of a new industrial zone for Islamabad.
Later, Zubair Malik, Arkam Farid and other ICCI executive members gave away shields to Dr Waseem Shahzad and senior officers of Islamabad police.