Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Law, Human Rights and Parliamentary Affairs Aftab Alam on Thursday chaired a meeting to review issues related to provision of land for construction of the Kohat Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) building.
The meeting was attended by Provincial Minister for Information Shafi Jan, Member of the National Assembly Shehryar Afridi, Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Industries Humayun Khan, Chairman District Development Advisory Committee (DDAC) Kohat Daud Shah, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Secretary Industries Amjad Ali Khan, Deputy Commissioner Kohat Nawaz Khan Wazir, President Kohat Chamber of Commerce and Industries Rasheed Paracha, and senior officials from relevant departments.
The participants conducted a detailed review of the proposed allocation of land for KCCI and examined legal, administrative and revenue related hurdles besides discussing various proposals for their sustainable resolution.
During the briefing, officials informed that Kohat chamber is the only active chamber serving the southern districts of the province. They also highlighted that work is progressing on the establishment of a Salt and Gypsum City in Karak to promote industrial development in the region.
The meeting also deliberated on legal position that government land cannot be permanently transferred to a private entity. Various options including permanent transfer and purchase of land for chamber were discussed in detail to identify a legally viable solution.
Special Assistant Humayun Khan reaffirmed the provincial government’s continued support for the business community stating that government has consistently extended cooperation to the chamber whenever required.
Addressing the participants, Aftab Alam said the provincial government considers promotion of industry, trade and investment among its top priorities. He said providing timely solutions to problems faced by business community and ensuring the availability of essential infrastructure would not only strengthen economic activity but it would also create new employment opportunities.
The law minister directed all relevant departments to remove legal and administrative bottlenecks through close coordination so that project could move forward without unnecessary delay. He instructed officials to expedite all legal formalities and keep his office regularly informed about progress.