Acting Chairman Senate Syedal Khan met with a delegation from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and senior Islamabad-based journalists to discuss measures for economic stability, industrial growth, inclusive development and the welfare and role of the media in strengthening democracy.
At the Parliament House meeting, Syedal Khan emphasized the importance of a strong industrial base, calling industry the backbone of the national economy. He said expanding industry would create jobs, improve living standards and drive overall progress and prosperity.
He praised the FPCCI for its central role in stabilizing the economy and promoting trade, and said the Senate’s standing committees carefully consider proposals from traders and industrialists so that business-friendly measures can be reflected in budgets and economic reforms. He added that the current government and its coalition partners are implementing concrete measures to increase employment and raise quality of life.
Acknowledging the country’s economic challenges, Syedal Khan stressed that solutions require trust and cooperation among the government, parliament and the private sector. He argued that development should not be limited to major cities and must reach remote and underdeveloped areas.
To that end, he highlighted opportunities for provinces such as Balochistan to benefit from energy projects, mineral development, agriculture and small-scale industry, which he said could help integrate these regions into the mainstream economy.
Addressing senior journalists, Syedal Khan described journalism as a vital pillar of the state and a bridge between the government and the public. He affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing journalists’ concerns and improving their welfare, including through effective legislation.
He urged the media to prioritize fact-based reporting and to avoid circulating unverified news, noting the press’s crucial role in promoting democracy, raising public issues and building public trust in the state. Syedal Khan assured journalists his office would remain accessible and that he would take all possible steps to resolve their problems. Representatives of the journalist community thanked the government for forming a committee to address their issues.
