RAWALPINDI, NOV 4: /DNA/ – The Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and engaged in a productive meeting with RCCI officials, including President Usman Shaukat, Senior Vice President Khalid Farooq Qazi, Vice President Fahad Barlas, executive committee members, Former Presidents, Asad Mashadi, Raja Amer Iqbal, Saqib Rafiq, Vice Chairman of Loi Jirga Haji Muhammad Latif, women members, and a substantial number of business leaders from diverse sectors.

Chamber President Usman Shaukat welcomed Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, providing him with an overview of the Chamber’s current activities and initiatives. President Shaukat emphasized that a significant portion of Rawalpindi’s business activity is closely connected to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), highlighting Rawalpindi’s role as a key trade route with Afghanistan and Central Asia, which facilitates two-way cargo transit and sustains millions of jobs. He urged the Governor to support business and infrastructure development in key sectors, particularly mining, minerals, and tourism, which includes both domestic and religious tourism.

In response, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing business activity and addressing security concerns. He outlined the ongoing initiatives to improve infrastructure, enhance law enforcement capabilities, and promote economic growth in KP. “The government is utilizing all available resources to tackle law and order and improve security across the province, along with upgrading roads, educational institutions, and medical facilities,” he stated. Governor Kundi underscored the importance of fostering cooperation among institutions to activate Central Asia’s trade routes and emphasized that political stability and economic growth are essential goals that require the support of all political parties.

He encouraged RCCI to gather proposals for the upcoming fiscal budget to ensure the needs and priorities of the business community are addressed. Governor Kundi also noted the shared responsibility of enhancing Pakistan’s image internationally, stating, “All institutions must work collaboratively to promote Pakistan in a positive light.”

During a Q&A session, RCCI members voiced key concerns, including the need for enhanced local partnerships in the mining sector, tourism development, expo centers, and funding for former FATA regions. Discussions also addressed eliminating illegal stone crushing, reducing the tax burden on the middle class, fostering entrepreneurship among women and youth, and maintaining continuity in economic policies.

Governor Kundi assured the business community of his support in addressing these concerns, reinforcing the commitment of the Governor’s Office to foster a business-friendly environment in KP. The meeting concluded with President Usman Shaukat presenting a commemorative shield to Governor Faisal Karim Kundi in appreciation of his visit and commitment to the business community.