DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on Thursday emphasized the strategic importance of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s geographic location and its untapped natural resources. “By effectively utilizing the province’s vast potential, we can achieve economic self-reliance,” he stated.
He expressed these views while inaugurating the new building of KP Economic Zones Development and Management Company in Peshawar.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony as chief guest, the chief minister was joined by members of the provincial cabinet, senior officials from the industries department, and other dignitaries. The state-of-the-art facility was completed in three years at a cost of Rs. 670 million.
Speaking on the occasion he lamented that in the past, little attention was paid to harnessing these resources. “The current provincial government has been working from day one to unlock the potential of every sector,” he added.
Highlighting progress on the industrial front, Gandapur said that 11 economic zones have already been established across the province, with work ongoing on four more, and plans for an additional four zones in the pipeline.
The chief minister announced plans for a new economic zone in Katlang, which will leverage the province’s own electricity through a dedicated transmission line being laid by the KP government. “We will provide electricity to local industries at affordable rates. This game-changing initiative will revolutionize the industrial sector of the province,” he remarked.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to facilitating investors by offering comprehensive incentives and creating a conducive environment for private investment.
“I invite investors from across the country to explore the immense opportunities in KP,” Gandapur said, adding that road shows will soon be organized to promote these opportunities.
Gandapur also underscored the importance of tailoring industrial development to the unique strengths of each region, which, he said, would create localized employment opportunities and promote prosperity at the grassroots level.
“We are focusing on value addition and capacity building. Special incentives will be offered to investors who manufacture and add value within the province,” he stated.
Addressing the issue of unemployment, the chief minister noted that while the people of KP were hardworking, many lack technical training. “To address this, we have launched two major programs focused on technical education and skill development,” he said.
He further noted that progress was underway on the KP Economic Corridor, a strategic project aimed at improving regional connectivity and tapping into the Central Asian markets.
“We are working towards the financial self-sufficiency of the province, in line with the vision of our founding chairman, Imran Khan,” CM Gandapur concluded.
