ISLAMABAD : Federal Minister for Railways, Hanif Abbasi, said that the upcoming federal budget would be a breath of fresh air for traders and industrialists, emphasizing that no country can achieve sustainable development without a strong industrial base.
He expressed these views while addressing participants at a dinner hosted in his honor at the residence of Zafar Bakhtawari, Secretary General of the United Business Group (UBG), on the occasion of congratulating Zahid Bakhtawari on his election as Vice President of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board.
Among those present were Tariq Sadiq, Chairman of the Founder Group ICCI; former Chairmen Khalid Javed and Khalid Iqbal Malik; former ICCI President Zahid Maqbool; former RCCI President Dr. Hassan Surosh; prominent business leader Wajid Ayub; Abid Bakhtawari; former Senior Vice President RCCI Hamza Surosh; former ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari; former President of Chakwal Chamber Waqar Bakhtawari; and Uzair Bakhtawari.
Hanif Abbasi stated that he has always presented the concerns of the business community before the Prime Minister. He noted that electricity tariffs have declined over the past two years and that key economic indicators are showing signs of improvement.
He further said that Pakistan has strengthened its identity as a peaceful and stable country in the region, and the international community is increasingly recognizing Pakistan as an important and trustworthy nation.
“The real strength of Pakistan lies in its people and business community,” he said, adding that the country’s economic progress must now be translated into tangible benefits for the people. He urged investors to reinvest their earnings within Pakistan to further strengthen the national economy.
The Federal Minister also remarked that Pakistan’s standing in the world has improved significantly and that various global powers now acknowledge the country as an important mediator. He said that countries and regions including the Middle East, China, Russia, the United States, the European Union, Central Asia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia are increasingly recognizing Pakistan’s constructive role on the international stage.
Referring to his long-standing relationship with the Bakhtawari family, Hanif Abbasi said that Zafar Bakhtawari is like an elder brother to him. He described Zahid Bakhtawari’s election as Vice President of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board as an excellent and positive decision.
Speaking on the occasion, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that Hanif Abbasi has always demonstrated a supportive and caring attitude toward the business community. He added that during his two-year tenure as President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), the Federal Minister regularly provided guidance through monthly meetings and played an important role in arranging meetings with the Prime Minister.
