PESHAWAR
\nUnderscored the vital link between lasting peace and the accelerated development of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the political and economic experts here Wednesday emphasized that without peace and stability, the province\u2019s true tourism, mineral and hydropower potential cannot be fully tapped.
\nSpeaking to APP, Professor Dr. A.H. Hilali, former Chairman of the Economics Department at the University of Peshawar, said peace is not only a prerequisite for sustainable development but also the bedrock upon which the province\u2019s future must be built.
\n\u201cEconomic growth is inseparably tied to peace. Development efforts will only flourish when terrorism, extremism, and insecurity are decisively addressed,\u201d he said.
\nIn recent years, a broad consensus has emerged among KP\u2019s key stakeholders\u2014ranging from political leaders to civil society\u2014that enduring peace, mutual coexistence and tolerance are fundamental to achieving long-term peace and prosperity.
\nAccording to Dr. Hilali, this includes continuing successful intelligence-based operations against inimical forces to ensure foolproof security and creating an environment conducive to investment, industrial and agricultural development besides economic growth.
\nHe emphasized that peace would serve as a gateway to KP\u2019s immense untapped potential in tourism, education, and employment.
\nDr Hilali said promotion of literacy in erstwhileFata was imperative to achieve the desired goals.
\n\u201cTourists, investors, and scholars are only drawn to regions that offer safety and stability. Without this, no meaningful progress can be made,\u201d he said.
\nSpecial attention, he noted, must be given to the rebuilding of infrastructure in areas previously affected by terrorism, especially in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). This includes rebuilding of all damaged schools, hospitals, roads, and utilities on priority basis.
\nHighlighting KP\u2019s rich natural resources, Dr. Hilali pointed out that the province holds vast potential in sectors such as mining, gemstones, hydropower, and forestry, requiring KP Govt special patronage.
\n\u201cIf properly harnessed, these resources could bring about an economic revolution not just for KP but for Pakistan as a whole,\u201d he stated.
\nEchoing similar sentiments, former Ambassador Manzoorul Haq stressed the need to shift national focus towards speedy elimination of terrorism and extremism, expedite peace of development, reconstruction and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure in the merged tribal districts.
\nHe said implementation of National Action Plan to eradicate terrorism was need of the hour.
\nAmbassador Manzoor said that rugged mountains of erstwhileFata were hidden reservoirs of mineral and gemstones resources and investors will come for its scentific exploration subject to prevalence of peace.
\n\u201cPakistan\u2019s sacrifices in the global war on terror have been acknowledged internationally. Now, it is time to invest in peace-building and economic revival,\u201d he said.
\nHe credited intensified intelligence-led security operations in KP\u2019s southern and merged districts for significantly improving the law and order situation, as reflected in the peaceful celebration of Eidul Fitr across the region this year.
\nAmbassador Haq also praised the recent visit of Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar to Afghanistan, calling it \u201ca positive step\u201d toward regional peace.
\nHe emphasized that effective action by the Afghan government against the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other terrorist groups on its soil was essential for the long-term peace and stability of the region.
\nHe called for the inclusion of the nation\u2019s sacrifices in the war against terrorism into Pakistan\u2019s national curriculum to educate and inspire the youth.
\n\u201cOur younger generation must understand the price paid for peace and the importance of protecting it,\u201d he said.
\nExperts also recommended the use of digital platforms and technology to showcase KP\u2019s tourism assets to the world. By promoting the region\u2019s scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and historical sites through modern digital marketing tools, KP could attract both domestic and international tourists, generating revenue and creating jobs.
\nThe experts strongly advocated for a development strategy that integrates security, economic revival, infrastructure reconstruction, and digital promotion.
\nOnly through a comprehensive and peace-oriented approach, they agreed, can Khyber Pakhtunkhwa be placed on a fast track to lasting peace, development and prosperity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PESHAWAR Underscored the vital link between lasting peace and the accelerated development of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the political and economic experts here Wednesday emphasized that without peace and stability, the province\u2019s true tourism, mineral and hydropower potential cannot be fully tapped. Speaking to APP, Professor Dr. A.H. Hilali, former Chairman of the Economics Department at […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":474313,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-474288","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-peshawar"},"yoast_head":"\n