Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday held a meeting with the delegation comprising former FATA and PATA chambers’ presidents and representatives of the business community at the Governor’s House.
The delegation included President Malakand Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inam Khan, Muhammad Shoaib, President Bajaur Chamber of Commerce Haji Lali Shah, President Mohmand Chamber of Commerce, Ameer Muhammad Khan, Khalid Khan from Khyber Chamber of Commerce, along with other members. Provincial President of Pakistan Peoples Party Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha was also present on the occasion.
During the meeting, the delegation apprised the Governor of serious concerns of the business community regarding the frequent imposition of excessive taxes in the former FATA and PATA regions.
They urged the Governor to take up these issues with the relevant federal authorities and play an effective role in resolving their problems.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said that the business community is the backbone of the national economy and addressing its issues on a priority basis is among the government’s top responsibilities.
He assured the delegation that concerns related to taxes and other hurdles faced by businesses in the former FATA and PATA areas would be forcefully raised before the federal government and concerned institutions to ensure timely relief.
Meanwhile, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also held another meeting with the delegation of transporters from Islamabad, Punjab, and various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, led by President Mini Mazda Association Pakistan Tanveer Ahmed Jatt, at the Governor’s House.
During the meeting, the delegation informed the Governor that vehicles traveling from Punjab to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are facing difficulties from the Excise Department.
They said that fines are being imposed on transporters on the pretext of route permits, passing, vehicle fitness, and overloading. The delegation added that old Mazda vehicles have been rehabilitated to ensure the smooth transportation of commercial goods and to avoid disruption to business activities.
The transporters requested the Governor to play his role in resolving the issues faced by the transport community. On the occasion, President Tanveer Ahmed Jatt also proposed holding a road safety seminar at the Governor House, Peshawar.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi listened attentively to the delegation’s concerns and said that while the rule of law is essential, it is equally the responsibility of the government to facilitate transporters. He assured the delegation of his full cooperation in addressing their problems.
Agreeing to the proposal of the Mini Mazda Association Pakistan, the Governor said that the Governor House is always available for positive and public-interest initiatives. He assured full support for the organization of a road safety seminar, terming it a constructive step towards promoting public safety and awareness.