SIALKOT:Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif visited the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) to discuss key infrastructure and industrial development priorities, including early completion of the Sialkot-Kharian Motorway, expansion of the Sialkot Export Processing Zone, establishment of a modern bus stand and measures to ease traffic congestion in the city.
The defence minister was accompanied by Provincial Minister for Labour and Human Resources Punjab Muhammad Mansha Ullah Butt and MPA Ch Faisal Akram.
During the meeting, SCCI President Khawar Hussain Spall appreciated the Federal Minister’s role in supporting Sialkot’s infrastructure development and addressing the concerns of the business community, particularly those relating to the Provincial Infrastructure Cess, the Export Facilitation Scheme, the Sialkot Tannery Zone project and the Lahore-Sialkot Motorway.
The federal minister thanked the business community for its constructive role in promoting Sialkot’s international image and highlighting the city’s contributions to Pakistan’s economy. He discussed several development priorities aimed at strengthening the city’s industrial infrastructure, improving connectivity and enhancing facilities for residents.
Khawaja Asif expressed his resolve to pursue the early completion of the Sialkot-Kharian Motorway, followed by progress on the Kharian-Rawat section. He also discussed expanding the Sialkot Export Processing Zone to accommodate Industrial Units with modern facilities and improved connectivity to major highways and airports. Other priorities included developing modern recreational facilities in Sialkot and establishing a modern bus stand to improve public transport infrastructure and help ease traffic congestion caused by heavy traffic entering the city.
He also shared his vision for improving local access to advanced medical treatment and reducing the need for patients to travel to other cities for specialized healthcare. He informed the participants that efforts were underway to bring specialized Cardiology and Oncology facilities to Sialkot.
He emphasized that these initiatives were particularly important for Sialkot’s export-oriented industrial base, as efficient transport links, modern industrial facilities and improved urban infrastructure could support business expansion, investment and the smoother movement of goods.
The defence minister also briefed the business community on the performance and sacrifices of Pakistan’s Armed Forces during Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos and other counter-terrorism operations. He also discussed related international developments, including Defense cooperation agreements with other countries.
SCCI President Khawar Hussain Spall thanked the federal minister for visiting the Chamber and engaging with the business community. He expressed confidence that Sialkot’s exporters would continue to play a significant role in generating foreign exchange for Pakistan, strengthening the country’s export performance and projecting a positive image of Pakistan in international markets.