ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): United Business Group (UBG) Patron-in-Chief, S.M. Tanveer, has said that Gilgit-Baltistan is the bright future of Pakistan. The region has immense potential in affordable electricity, tourism, food processing, and the gems and jewelry sector. “We want to transform Gilgit-Baltistan into a business paradise,” he stated during a reception held in his honor by the Gilgit Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He emphasized that they want to take everyone along for the betterment of traders, and that solving the problems of the business community is their top priority.
Highlighting that Pakistan faces an annual trade deficit of $8 billion, he said they aim to promote local industries like food processing and gemstone cutting to save valuable foreign exchange. UBG Secretary General Zafar Bakhtawari, in his speech, said the business community of Gilgit-Baltistan holds a special place in their hearts. “We have longstanding ties with the Raki family, which are growing stronger with time,” he said. He assured that UBG will raise the concerns of GB’s business community at the federal level, including with the Ministry of Commerce and other relevant forums.
This region is a pride of Pakistan, and we will highlight its issues at the national level, he stated. Their goal, he added, is to establish direct links between the GB business community and national institutions to effectively resolve their challenges. Zafar Bakhtawari said that in the coming years, development projects and a network of motorways in Gilgit-Baltistan will play a crucial role in the region’s progress. He also emphasized the need for rapid execution of energy projects along with infrastructure development so that their benefits can reach the public.
Gilgit Chamber President Ashfaq Ahmed Khan said that while the region holds great potential for business and industry, negligence from the government, lack of support from institutions, and collusion with mafias are damaging business prospects. He urged UBG to highlight these issues at the national level and engage with the federal government to find solutions. On this occasion, UBG Islamabad Region Senior Vice President Johar Ali Raki, former Gilgit Chamber President Nasir Hussain Raki, UBG General Body Member Ghazanfar Akram, Aamir Atta Bajwa, and others also addressed the gathering.
