SCCI, FPCCI agree to take up KP businessmen issues with Centre

PESHAWAR: The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) have reaffirmed the commitment to jointly raise KP business community issues with the federal government.

The commitment was renewed as FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh held a meeting with SCCI President Fuad Ishaq here at the Chamber’s House, said in a statement issued here on Sunday.

Both sides discussed the KP businessmen issues, particularly pertaining to hurdles to trade and business, gaining constitutional rights on gas, electricity and other natural resources. They agreed to initiate collective efforts to raise KP business community issues, particularly attainment of the province’s constitutional rights about electricity, gas and other natural resources and those attached to border trade. The participants vowed to take up all matters with government and relevant authorities and resolve them amicably.

Atif Ikram Sheikh told the meeting that uninterrupted electricity and gas supply to KP was the constitutional right of the province and assured that FPCCI would take up this matter with the government in efficient manners.

Highlighting several issues of the KP business community, Fuad Ishaq said gas, electricity, mine and mineral reserves and trade with Afghanistan were the key potentials of KP.He said KP had the first right to benefit from indigenous natural resources, oil, gas and electricity under Article 158 of the Constitution.

However, he lamented that despite being a net exporter and surplus gas producer, KP had been put into the RLNG basket which was unfair and unacceptable.The SCCI chief said industrial growth had slowed down and many production units were on the verge of closure which may trigger further unemployment.