Kundi stresses women business for national economy

PESHAWAR
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday emphasized the encouraging trend of women participating in business activities. He highlighted the necessity for women engaged in business to leverage modern technology to contribute to the country’s economic growth and prosperity.
He suggested that increasing access to better education and training institutions for women could gradually enhance their presence in various professional sectors. By engaging in business activities, Pakistani women can not only meet their own and their families’ financial needs but also generate substantial foreign exchange for the country through global trade.
The Governor Kundi expressed these views while addressing the Women Achievement Award ceremony at the Governor House Peshawar, organized by the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as the chief guest.
The event was attended by Provincial Assembly member Jalal Khan, UNHCR Regional Head Kofi Ohenenana Dwomo, Hashoo Foundation CEO Haris Qayum Khan, President of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce Fawad Ishaq, Business Forum Group Leader Ghazanfar Bilour, President of the Women Chamber of Commerce Azra Jamshed, Vice President Aneela Khalid, representatives from SMEDA, and a large number of women business sector professionals.
During the ceremony, 35 women were honored with the Women Achievement Award for their outstanding contributions, including notable industrialists Ilyas Ahmad Bilour, Fitrat Ilyas Bilour, and Fawad Ishaq from the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Speeches were also delivered by Azra Jamshed, Haris Qayum Khan, Kofi Ohenenana, and Fawad Ishaq.
Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Hashoo Foundation and the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on this occasion, congratulated the award recipients and stated that the event was not merely about awards but also a testament to societal change and the empowerment of women.
He reaffirmed the Pakistan Peoples Party’s commitment to honoring women and ensuring their participation at every level to make them valuable and active members of society.
He noted that Pakistani women are rapidly advancing in IT, fashion, education, online business, and other sectors, thereby enhancing the country’s global standing.
He highlighted the numerous opportunities available for women in small and medium-sized businesses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the significant role played by the Women Chamber of Commerce.
The Governor also mentioned that although Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had not previously received a share of water distribution, the federal government has now allocated Rs19 billion for the Chashma Lift Canal project after discussions with the center.
He encouraged the provincial business community to participate in an upcoming business exhibition in Tajikistan, where there are substantial opportunities in the textile sector.
He also expressed gratitude to the UNHCR Regional Head for their support and hoped that both UNHCR and Hashoo Foundation would continue to support the terrorism hit provincial business community.