ABBOTTABAD: Advisor to Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations Barrister Dr Muhammad Ali Saif on Saturday said the province had vast investment potential across multiple sectors, including trade, mining, industry and tourism.
Speaking at the first ‘Prosperous Pakistan Conference’ held in Nathiagali, Dr Saif added that the provincial government was committed to protecting both investors and their capital.
The conference was attended by key figures including KP Finance Advisor Muzzammil Aslam, provincial assembly members, officials, prominent business leaders from across Pakistan, foreign diplomats and a large number of women entrepreneurs.
Dr Saif noted that the event marked a significant step towards attracting local and international investment to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and boosting economic activity in the province. “We are reforming business regulations to facilitate investors and eliminate bureaucratic delays. KP is open for business,” he added.
During the conference, the KP Board of Investment and Trade (KP-BOIT) presented a comprehensive briefing to potential investors, highlighting initiatives like the online KP-BizHub one-window operation. This platform will integrate all regulatory departments by the end of the year to simplify business processes, especially in Special Economic Zones.
Dr Saif acknowledged the catastrophic floods that recently struck parts of KP, causing unprecedented human and infrastructure losses. Over 393 lives have been lost, 1,700 buildings damaged, and key infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and river embankments destroyed. Despite the devastation, the private sector’s continued interest in investing in KP has been termed “a mark of patriotism and resilience.”
“Investors are not just welcome; they are needed,” said Dr. Saif. “We urge them to take calculated risks in underdeveloped areas and play a role in economic revival. This is a national cause,” he added.
Dr Saif criticized the federal government for what he described as insufficient cooperation, particularly regarding peace efforts and disaster response. “While KP works tirelessly to restore stability and rehabilitate affected communities, the federal government’s response has been dismissive,” he remarked.
The provincial government has already allocated Rs 4 billion for immediate relief, including compensation of Rs. 2 million for families of deceased flood victims and Rs. 500,000 for those injured. Affected residents are receiving direct online cash transfers to meet essential needs. Reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts are underway under the leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Dr Saif also condemned alleged environmental negligence by federal authorities, citing illegal tree felling in areas like Dongagali for personal construction projects.
Concluding his remarks, Dr Saif reaffirmed KP’s commitment to economic development, disaster recovery, and transparent governance.