Acting President and Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa holds immense potential for business and investment, urging public-private cooperation to accelerate Pakistan’s economic growth.
Addressing the Pakistan Business Summit, he said the country’s economy was gradually moving towards stability, with fresh opportunities for trade and investment. Gilani noted that both local and foreign investors were showing confidence in Pakistan as the government worked to provide a secure and supportive business environment.
Highlighting Pakistan’s demographic strength, he pointed out that around 60 percent of the population is youth. “Empowering the youth and helping them realise their potential is vital for a prosperous future,” he remarked.
The Acting President also underlined the importance of tourism, recalling his tenure as Minister for Tourism when he established the Malam Jabba chairlift to promote travel to the scenic region.
Turning to security, Gilani spoke about Pakistan’s long struggle against terrorism and extremism. He said when dialogue failed, the state was compelled to act decisively. “When we stood up against terrorism and extremism, the whole world supported Pakistan,” he said, recalling the successful rehabilitation of more than 2.5 million internally displaced persons within 90 days in collaboration with the international community.
Despite personal hardships, including the abduction of his son by militants, Gilani said he chose the path of peace and international cooperation. He stressed that sacrifices made by Pakistan’s people, armed forces, police, Levies and Frontier Corps must never be forgotten.
The Acting President also remembered awarding Malala Yousafzai the national peace award as prime minister for her courage and commitment to education, long before her international recognition.
Discussing regional ties, Gilani described Pakistan and Afghanistan as “twin brothers” linked by geography, culture, and faith. He said Pakistan desired a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, expressing hope that Afghan soil would never be used against Pakistan. He reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to maintaining constructive relations with all neighbours, including China, Russia, and Iran.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s foreign policy, he noted the country’s consistent pursuit of dialogue and peace in the region. Recalling the aftermath of the Mumbai attacks, Gilani said Pakistan had offered full cooperation and proposed resuming talks to resolve outstanding issues, including Kashmir, Siachen, and terrorism.
Concluding his remarks, the Acting President urged unity and wisdom in shaping the future. Quoting the Urdu verse, “Lamhoon ne khata ki thi, sadiyon ne saza paai,” he said Pakistan must learn from past mistakes and build a future founded on peace, stability, and progress.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, senior PPP leaders, and members of the business community were also in attendance.
