Protection of Highways Is Top Priority, Any Negligence Will Not Be Tolerated: Governor Balochistan

Quetta – Governor Balochistan Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail has said that the business community’s role in the economic development of the country and province and in providing employment is unmatched. The protection of highways is among the government’s top priorities — where political negotiations are needed, they will be held, and where the forces have a responsibility, they will play their role. No negligence whatsoever will be tolerated in the matter of highway protection, and he will continue to raise his voice on every forum for the resolution of the issues faced by Balochistan’s business community. Better trade relations with neighboring countries are an important need of the time; however, in this regard, all relevant countries must recognize the current situation.

He expressed these views while addressing the Annual General Body Meeting of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Quetta Balochistan on Tuesday.

Earlier, Patron-in-Chief of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Quetta Balochistan, Ghulam Farooq Khilji, thanked the Governor Balochistan for visiting the Chamber. Praising the performance of former officials of the Chamber, he said that the past two years have been extremely difficult for Balochistan’s business community. Congratulating the newly elected officials and members, he expressed hope that they would play a full role in addressing the challenges faced by the business community.

Ghulam Farooq Khilji said that the election of Chamber officials is carried out in consultation with the Core Committee, senior members, and other members, and this year’s unopposed election of officials is a manifestation of the unity of the province’s business community.

On this occasion, former President of the Chamber, Haji Muhammad Ayub Mariani, also expressed his views and thanked the Chamber members for their full cooperation over the past two years. Congratulating the newly elected officials, he expressed hope that they would meet the expectations associated with them by the province’s business community.

Newly elected President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ahmad Gul Kakar, thanked the Patron-in-Chief, Core Committee, and members for reposing trust in him, and said that he and his colleagues would play every possible role in eliminating the difficulties faced by the province’s business community. He said that all matters would be moved forward through mutual consultation.

Ahmad Gul Kakar proposed that a delegation of the Chamber, headed by the Governor Balochistan, should visit Islamabad so that meaningful talks could be held with relevant federal authorities to resolve the issues and challenges faced by the province’s business community. He stressed effective measures to improve the law and order situation on highways and to improve trade relations with neighboring countries. He said that the Chamber would continue to play its role in promoting local industries and providing better employment opportunities to the youth.

Governor Balochistan Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, congratulating the newly elected officials, said that businessmen are the real strength of the country’s economy, and it is these people who are running the country and the province. He said that the business community is not only playing an important role in the economic prosperity of the country and province but is also providing employment to a large number of people.

He said that businessmen are playing their role in promoting every sector, and he has always stood with the business community. Wherever they are needed, he will be present with the business community and will continue to raise his voice on every forum for the resolution of their issues.

Governor Balochistan said that the protection of highways is a major challenge; however, in this regard, both political negotiations and security measures will be employed as needed. Referring to trade relations with Afghanistan, he said that Pakistan desires better trade relations with neighboring countries; however, the Afghan government must also recognize the situation in this regard.

He said that he will continue to raise his voice on every forum for the resolution of the issues faced by Balochistan’s business community. He also welcomed the fact that the Federal Minister of Commerce belongs to Balochistan, calling it good news for the province.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Governor Balochistan Sheikh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail seated the newly elected officials of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in their seats.