FATA merger with KPK opens an opportunity for fresh investment

KARACHI: The Businessmen Panel (BMP) has hailed FATA merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province as a landmark advancement opening fresh vistas of progression for the area people.

Known industrialist and BMP chairman, Mian Anjum Nisar in a statement on Friday emphasized that the passing of law must be urgently and carefully translated into implementation ensuring that rights of the concerned people are duly guarded.

"There are lot of opportunities waiting for these people benefits of which can be harvested if the challenges beyond the merger are handled carefully," he emphasized.

Mentioning that this merger does open an opportunity for new investment in the region in the wake of CPEC, he said people of the FATA being main-streamed and provided a chance to enjoy equal rights like other citizens of the country would be ultimate beneficiaries.

"It is therefore extremely important that economic impact of the decision is not isolated and a prudent approach is adopted to attract local and foreign investments," said BMP chairman reiterating that people belonging to the tribal areas must always be taken into confidence.

"This will thus provide them an opportunity to play their part in the development of national economy," he added.

Mian Anjum Nisar said attention is needed to focus on the exploration of precious metals and minerals in addition to utilisation of these resources for high value products.

He reminded that against all odds the inhabitants of the former federally administered tribal areas hold a significant percentage of educated and skilled people who could definitely contribute to the development of the KPK in particular and country in general.

The BMP chairman also hailed the latest ECC decision to exempt FATA from taxation for next five years.

"This will help to strengthen the industry and businesses vital for the future of our economy," said Mian Nisar.

Secretary General (Federal) of the BMP, Ahmad Jawad said FATA merger with KPK is a moment of pride and triumph for democracy and human rights in the country.

"Socio-economic development of areas merged with KPK will create thousands of jobs in the field of education, health, water supply schemes, power supply, mineral development programmes and citizen losses compensation programme," he said.

Jawad also recalled the unconditional love tribal people had for Quaid-e-Azam and that were witnessed during his historic visits to the tribal areas.

"It was in 1945 that a large number of people came out on the streets of Landi Kotal to welcome their beloved leader and chose to associate their future with an independent and sovereign Pakistan," he reminded mentioning that Quaid-e-Azam himself held great respect and regard for FATA people for their loyalty and sacrifices.

BMP Secretary General said establishment of industrial zones with special incentives in the area will not only attract investments but also create technical and managerial job opportunities.