Minister inaugurates work on Chitral Economic Zone

CHITRAL: Minister for Industries, Technical Education, and Affairs of Merged Districts Dr Amir Abdullah inaugurated construction work on Chitral Economic Zone and facilities office there on Thursday.

The minister emphasised the project’s potential to transform Chitral’s history by eliminating the need for youth to seek employment elsewhere.

Dr Abdullah expressed support for the efforts to facilitate the progress and success of economic zones in the province and assured cooperation from the provincial government. He highlighted the Chitral Economic Zone as a significant success for local industry development, initiating a new era of economic prosperity.

The CEO Javed Iqbal Khattak briefed Dr Abdullah about the 40-acre land area developed for the new zone, including roads, drains, water supply, retaining walls, and company offices. He said an additional 1.72 acres of land was acquired to attract industrial investments and deepen capital. After the zone’s completion, numerous employment opportunities would be generated, contributing to the improvement of the local economy.

He added that the strategic location of the economic zone, facilitated by the Lowari Tunnel, makes it a significant hub for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Dr Abdullah assured that the zone would be declared a special economic zone according to its importance, with additional land to be obtained. The KP Economic Zones Development and Management Company designed the zone for key industries such as marble industries, woodcraft, ready-made garments, furniture, food, and cold storage.