President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), Mian Zahid Hussain has said that Bahawalpur is in dire need of new industrial estate to facilitate the available potential of new industries and manufacturing concerns. He said that the current industrial estate is comprised of approx 52 acres of land with all basic facilities.
While talking to the business community, he said that two-third of the district (16,000 km²) is covered by the Cholistan Desert, which extends into the Thar Desert of India. Agricultural products of the district include Cotton, Sugarcane, Wheat, Sunflower, Rice, Mangoes, Citrus, Dates, Guavas, Onion, Tomato, Cauliflower, Potatoes and Carrot which fulfils the city's need and supplied to other cities. Major portion of fruits produced in the district are exported to other countries.
He emphasized that the universities of the Bahawalpur should conduct research for the economic and industrial development of the city in collaboration with the business community and the local influential should participate in the development of city. He said Bahawalpur is the central city of southern Punjab where several industries are operating including fertilizer, Sugar, Cotton, and Textile, Fruit Juices, General Engineering, Iron & Steel Re-rolling Mills, Looms, Beverages, flour & Cottage Industries in addition to MNCs.
The former minister said huge potential for tourism lies in the city; the famous and historical monuments include Derawar Fort, Noor Mahal, Gulzar Mahal, Shimla Khoti, Darbar Mahal, Farid Gate, and different tombs. Bahawalpur Museum and Bahawalpur Library are home to a wide compilation of medals, postage stamps, coins of the former state. Handicrafts, pottery and carpets produced in the district are admired and appreciated by the tourists from within and outside the Country. The Punjab government has given notice to such amazing hand work and has set up a Craft Development Centre from where handicrafts can be purchased, which is commendable.
Mian Zahid Hussain said Quaid-e-Azam 1000 MW Solar Park (Bahawalpur) is developed in Bahawalpur under CPEC project, while the district will be connected to Gwadar, Islamabad, Bhakker and Mansehra via central and eastern routes of CPEC enabling the city to market its products conveniently in other cities and abroad.
He said Government should take measures for the industrial growth of the city in accordance to the recommendations of Bahawalpur chamber of commerce and industry so that the city can take active role according to its true potential in the Economic Growth of the Country.
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