Education
KPK
Industrialist Seeks Justice Over Factory Dispute
PROVINCE REPORT
PESHAWAR: Claiming to have been subjected to nearly 15 years of continuous victimization despite securing favorable court rulings, prominent industrialist Saleem Akhtar Durrani, chief executive of Tatara Industries in the Hayatabad Industrial Estate, has appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Provincial Minister for Industries, and the Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to intervene and ensure justice on priority.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, Saleem Akhtar said he established Tatara Industries in 2003 after obtaining an industrial plot in the Hayatabad Industrial Estate. However, he alleged that since 2011 he has repeatedly faced what he described as arbitrary actions by the authorities, including cancellation of his industrial plot allotment and multiple court cases initiated by the then Sarhad Development Authority (SDA).
According to him, he successfully defended himself in every case filed against him, with the courts’ rulings in his favor. Despite these decisions, he alleged that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company (KPEZDMC) again cancelled his plot allotment and initiated fresh legal proceedings.
He further alleged that although the dispute remains pending before the court, KPEZDMC proceeded with the auction of his industrial plot through what he termed an illegal process and later had the factory sealed with the assistance of the local assistant commissioner.
He described the actions as a serious blow to industrial investment and business confidence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He maintained that instead of facilitating investors and industrialists, the authorities were discouraging entrepreneurship and threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of workers associated with his factory.
Appealing to the country’s top leadership as mentioned above, Mr Durrani urged to order an impartial inquiry into the matter, reverse what he called unlawful actions, and ensure that justice is served.
“I have fought every legal battle and succeeded in the courts, yet I continue to face repeated action,” he said, adding that he only wanted the opportunity to run his factory, contribute to the province’s economy, and provide employment to hundreds of workers.
National
Islamabad Mango Festival Showcases Pakistan’s Export Potential
Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD, July 13: Pakistan’s internationally acclaimed mangoes took centre stage at a colorful Mango Festival hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with Serena Hotels and the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Association (PFVA), bringing together diplomats, government officials, exporters and business leaders to celebrate one of the country’s most prized agricultural products and promote its global export potential.
Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, the chief guest, inaugurated the festival by cutting a ceremonial cake alongside Serena Hotels Chief Executive Officer Aziz Boolani, Aslam Pakhali Chairman PFVA and PFVA Senior Vice Chairman Chaudhry Shoaib Ahmed. A large number of heads of diplomatic missions based in Islamabad attended the event, underscoring growing international interest in Pakistan’s premium fruit exports.
Addressing the gathering, the Foreign Secretary said the Mango Festival was far more than a celebration of Pakistan’s “king of fruits”
Mangoes are a symbol of Pakistan’s vibrant culture, rich cuisine and thriving commerce. They reflect the richness of our soil, the dedication of our farmers and the spirit of our people,” she said.
She added that Pakistani mangoes have earned worldwide recognition because of the collective efforts of growers, exporters, agricultural scientists and trade partners, who have transformed the fruit into a globally recognized brand.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi also attended the festival and toured the exhibition stalls featuring a wide variety of premium mangoes from different parts of the country. He appreciated the quality of the produce and the contribution of the horticulture sector to Pakistan’s economy and exports.
More than 250 guests, including members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, business executives, representatives of the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Association and officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participated in the event.
Visitors enjoy variety of mango-based cuisines, desserts and beverages specially prepared by Serena Hotels’ culinary team, highlighting the versatility of Pakistan’s most celebrated summer fruit.
The festival served as a platform to showcase the quality, diversity and export potential of Pakistani mangoes while strengthening commercial links with international partners. Participants expressed optimism that continued promotional initiatives would help expand Pakistan’s share in global fruit markets and further enhance the country’s image through agricultural and culinary diplomacy.
