ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): Secretary General of United Business Group (UBG ,FPCCI) Zafar Bakhtawari has said that Sardar Yasir Ilyas’s decision to join Pakistan Muslim League (N) is a wise one, and his appointment as the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Tourism is a matter of pride for the business community. He expressed these views while congratulating Sardar Yasir Ilyas along with a delegation of business community members.
Zafar Bakhtawari said it is encouraging that a former President of the Islamabad Chamber is climbing the ladder of success and now advancing to serve the nation at the national level. He added that figures like Ishaq Dar and Mian Shahbaz Sharif have also been affiliated with the business community and have served as Presidents of the Lahore Chamber, which shows that business leaders can play a positive role in the national economy. Business leaders have grassroots-level experience and know very well how to bring investment into the country.
As the CEO of a major project in the federal capital, no one knows better than Sardar Yasir Ilyas how to gain the confidence of foreign investors. He brought investment into Pakistan, faced many challenges, and successfully overcame them. Zafar Bakhtawari said that now a major national responsibility rests on his shoulders, and it is the duty of all of us to fully support him for his success. His success is in fact the success of the entire business community.
On this occasion, Sardar Yasir Ilyas said that people like Zafar Bakhtawari are those who unite others, whereas division only benefits outsiders. He said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is serious and sincere about improving every sector. When he was given a presentation on the National Tourism Policy, he called it the “best presentation” and noted that it offered practical solutions to the problems.
He stated that countries earn billions of dollars from tourism, while Pakistan is blessed with all four seasons, mountains, rivers, deserts, and other natural beauties. Our only weakness is the lack of infrastructure—for example, in the beautiful Kumrat Valley, there is not even a single road or hotel. His goal is to introduce a comprehensive National Tourism Policy to showcase Pakistan’s true beauty to the world.
He emphasized the need to promote medical tourism in Pakistan, as treatment abroad is extremely expensive, while countries like India earn billions from medical tourism. Pakistan is home to eight of the world’s highest peaks, and we must turn “Brand Pakistan” into a global identity. He said tourism is a sector that alone can support the national economy. His vision is to implement a National Tourism Plan in all provinces, which will bring prosperity. He stressed that the private sector will be taken along and that the world will be shown the many opportunities Pakistan has to offer. The Prime Minister wants to see Pakistan as developed as Europe and Dubai, and together we will make Vision 2030 a reality.
Addressing the event, former ICCI President Khalid Iqbal Malik said that Sardar Yasir Ilyas’s father was a hardworking and honest man who turned a magnificent project in Islamabad into reality. Yasir Ilyas’s humility, integrity, and public friendliness are his hallmarks. During his tenure as President of the Islamabad Chamber, the chamber earned respect, and the prestige of the business community was elevated.
He noted that Pakistan has a large population but low exports; we must increase exports to join the ranks of developed nations. Pakistan’s northern areas have some of the best tourism locations, and a comprehensive policy in this sector is urgently needed. Individuals like Sardar Yasir Ilyas can provide new directions to the business community and industry.
ICCI Council Member Chaudhry Masood said that Sardar Yasir Ilyas is a tourism enthusiast and well-versed in the intricacies of the industry. If proper facilities and systems are provided, the tourism industry has immense potential for growth. His appointment as an advisor is a positive step, and we pray for his success.
The delegation also included ICCI Executive Members: Roohail Anwar Butt, Malik Abdul Aziz, Malik Mohsin Khalid, Umar Khayyam Abbasi, Zulqarnain Abbasi, Ishaq Sial, Chaudhry Nadeem, former ICCI Senior Vice President Khalid Chaudhry, Nisar Ahmed Mirza, Imtiaz Abbasi, Babar Chaudhry, and others.
