PESHAWAR
Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has urged the government to take proactive steps for issues of the export-oriented small arms and ammunition sector and resolution of issues, allied with this crucial sector.
President Junaid Altaf while speaking at Dinner hosted by Businessman Forum in honour of the traders, dealers and manufactures associated with the small arms and ammunition sector here at the chamber house stated that small arms and ammunition of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was highly competitive globally and exportable.
He, however, sought the government’s support and guidance to further advancement and uplift of this important sector to enhance the country’s exports.
The SCCI chief mentioned that the central government has prioritized the country’s exports and is ready to provide any kind of assistance to the export-oriented sector.
Delegation of the small arms and ammunition dealers and manufacturers delegation was headed by Small Manufacturers Association Industrial Estate Peshawar president Qari Sanaullah Khan, Arms Dealers Association Peshawar President Hazrat Bilal, Farhan Ashiq and Gul Sharif and others.
A large number arms and ammunition traders, dealers and factory owners and representatives were present on the occasion.
Meeting was also attended by the chamber’s senior vice president Muhammad Nadeem, Businessman Forum Leader and former FPCCI President Ghazanfar Bilour, former president Fazal Moqeem Khan, former senior vice president Shahid Hussain, members of the chamber’s executive committee Mujeebur Rehman, Shamsur Rahim, Ishfaq Ahmad and Adnan Nasir, SCCI Secretary General Muqtasid Ahsan and others.
Traders on the occasion highlighted issues mostly relating to police, home department and obstacles in export and urged the government to provide assistance and remove hurdles to carry out smooth trade and export of the small arms and ammunitions in rest of the world.
The provincial government has approximately fetched Rs2.5billion annually through the Arms and Ammunition sector on head of taxes, except renewal of licenses, individual matters and other heads, the traders said.
The traders said despite the enormous revenue generated through this sector, the provincial government, police, and home department didn’t cooperate with them, creating various hurdles that have adversely affected their business and export.
Arms dealers and manufacturers emphasized the need for framing policies with their consultation and elimination of anti-business actions immediately.
President Junaid Altaf on the occasion paid rich tribute to the selfless services of late senator Ilyas Ahmad Bilour for the business community, who had dedicated whole life to the community.
He also appreciated the untiring efforts and services of the BF leader Ghazanfar Bilour, stating that SCCI under the banner of the Businessman Forum leadership is working proactively for economic growth of the KP and revival of business and industry.
President Junaid Altaf said SCCI is the only representative forum of the traders which had always played a central role in the resolution of their problems by effectively taking up with relevant departments at central and provincial level.
BF leader Ghazanfar Bilour also spoke on the occasion and assured the traders to take up issues that were highlighted today in the meeting with relevant departments.
He said a meeting will soon be arranged with senior police officials to address the issue on fast-track grounds.
President Junaid Altaf proposed formation of a working group to devise a joint strategy for resolution of issues associated with the small arms and ammunitions sector and properly take up with relevant authorities at the central and provincial level.
