ISLAMABAD: President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Atif Ikram Sheikh, has stated that the issues facing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), particularly the merged tribal districts, are critical and require immediate intervention alongside the implementation of “Good Governance.”
He made these remarks while presiding over a high-level meeting at the FPCCI President’s Secretariat in Islamabad. The meeting was attended by a high-profile delegation of parliamentarians and industrialists, including:
Haji Ghulam Ali,Former Governor KP, Senator Hidayatullah and Senator Dilawar Khan, James Iqbal Member of National Assembly, Ghazanfar Bilour Former President FPCCI, Karim Aziz Malik Chairman FPCCI Capital Office, Malik Sohail Hussain Chairman Coordination, Capital Office, Shoaib Khan Group Leader, Malakand Chamber, Lali Shah Group Leader, Bajaur Chamber, Noor Alam Badshah President, Lower Dir Chamber, Iftikhar Khan Chief Executive, Taj Group,
During the session, traders and industrialists from the tribal regions briefed the President on the severe economic crisis, business closures, and the challenges posed by various taxes and the Regional Tax Office (RTO) Peshawar. They urged FPCCI and the parliamentarians to play a decisive role in mitigating these hardships.
Responding to the concerns, Atif Ikram Sheikh emphasized that FPCCI is fully aware of the deteriorating economic situation in FATA and PATA.
“Tax exemptions and incentives for FATA and PATA are not mere relief; they are a fundamental right of the large population living there. Due to the law and order history and lack of infrastructure, these industries need special support to compete with the rest of the country,” he stated.
He formally demanded that the government extend these tax exemptions until the local industries become self-sustaining.
The FPCCI President highlighted that KP is rich in minerals and natural resources. He noted that:
Providing affordable electricity and modern technology could transform these regions into a global hub for Marble, Granite, and Gemstone exports.
There is no dearth of talent or resources in KP; however, a clear policy is required to eliminate the sense of deprivation.
To stimulate economic activity, Atif Ikram Sheikh proposed the establishment of Border Markets along the Afghan frontier. He called for simplifying cross-border movement and travel procedures to ensure the smooth flow of trade, which would lead to regional prosperity.
