Mohsin Siddiqui (Chief Reporter)
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur is set to attend the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) meeting in Islamabad. This comes after a formal invitation was extended by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, following initial criticisms from KP officials regarding the exclusion of their chief minister from the significant forum.
The situation took a turn when Barrister Saif, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations, voiced criticism over the initial lack of invitation for the KP chief minister to the SIFC meeting. His concerns highlighted a perceived oversight in acknowledging the province’s strategic importance in the national economic framework.
However, the issue was resolved after the intervention of the KP governor, prompting a formal invitation from Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. This move underscores the importance of inclusive representation in national economic discussions and decision-making processes.
In a statement released today, Barrister Saif confirmed the chief minister’s attendance at the SIFC meeting. He emphasized that Chief Minister Gandapur would advocate for KP’s investment potential at the forum. “The chief minister will definitely represent Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as he has received an invitation to attend the SFIC meeting. There are better opportunities for investment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the chief minister will explain it in the meeting,” Saif remarked.
The SIFC meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif at the PM House, will bring together top officials from various sectors. Attendees will include all provincial chief ministers, Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, and ministers from key portfolios such as information, finance, defense, planning and development, commerce, law and justice, and water resources. Provincial chief secretaries will also be present.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqi will provide an update on anti-smuggling measures, a critical aspect of the government’s broader strategy to secure economic interests. Additionally, the meeting will feature a briefing on the current security situation in the country, underscoring the interlinkage between security and economic stability.
The Special Investment Facilitation Council was established in June 2023 with the aim of fostering collaboration between provincial and federal government representatives, as well as military officials, in a unified decision-making forum. The council’s primary goals include finding solutions for economic revival and enhancing foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows.
The apex committee of the SIFC, comprising the prime minister, the chief of army staff, chief ministers, and other high-ranking government officials, plays a pivotal role in steering the council’s initiatives. This structure ensures that both civilian and military leaderships are aligned in their efforts to tackle economic challenges and leverage investment opportunities.
Chief Minister Gandapur’s participation in the SIFC meeting is particularly significant given KP’s untapped investment potential. The province boasts rich natural resources, strategic geographic positioning, and a young, dynamic workforce, all of which are crucial for attracting both domestic and international investors.
In previous statements, provincial officials have highlighted sectors such as hydropower, tourism, and agriculture as key areas ripe for investment. By presenting these opportunities at the SIFC meeting, KP aims to secure the necessary support and collaboration to drive its economic agenda forward.
