FROM MENAHILL RASHID
FAISALABAD: The business tycoons of Faisalabad have decided to set up a dedicated company to undertake infrastructure related mega commercial projects for the sustained, comprehensive, organized and exclusive developments of Faisalabad.
In this connection, Faisalabad Development Legend Fund (FDLF) has been proposed that would also play a key role in improving the overall image of Faisalabad at global level as a leading, progressive, dynamic and vibrant metropolis of central Punjab.
Addressing a meeting Mian Mohammad Idrees former President FPCCI, FCCI and International Director Lions Club, said that this city has bestowed us with respect, honor, dignity and wealth and now it is time to repay it by undertaking uplift projects which must change the entire landscape of this city. He mentioned the Sialkot model and said that on the same pattern we would also undertake ventures including a dedicated civilian airport, international level hospital, hotel, theme park and many more to cater to its future needs. He said that these schemes could be initiated on Public, Private Partnership (PPP) mode and profit earned from these commercial ventures could be used to undertake new schemes to ensure basic amenities of life to its inhabitants. He said that a majority of businessmen hailing from this city have given a positive response and now we would initiative to propose the organizational setup and fundamental objectives of this commercial entity in consultation with the interested individuals. He said that although the name for this company has initially been proposed as FDLF, it could be changed or amended in accordance with the wishes of its founding members. He paid best tribute to Engineer Rizwan Ashraf who had played an instrumental role in launching direct international flights from Faisalabad. He said that it was a turning point which not only enhanced our global connectivity but also had a trickle-down impact on the downstream industry linked with the aviation sector. He also mentioned Faisalabad Dry Port Trust (FDPT) which was also the brain child of the FCCI members. “It was the first upcountry port in the private sector which also helped importers and exporters by providing them related facilities at their doorsteps”, he added. About the proposed FDLF, he said that it would have approximately one hundred executives with a Management Board of 25 members. “They would elect three office bearers to manage the day-to-day affairs of the FDLF”, he said and added that each founding member would contribute Rs. 10 million. He requested the participants to give their input so that we could finalize the details of the proposed company.
Mr. Atif Munir Sheikh, President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) said that the local business community is known across the country for its generosity, philanthropy and charity but it is a pity that we are dependent on JICA for the provision of potable water. He appreciated the vision of Mian Mohammad Idrees who was nurturing the idea to reverse this situation by inspiring the local community to come forward and contribute its productive role for the welfare of this city in addition to expanding their own businesses. He said that now we are holding the first conceptual meeting to finetune its modalities. He said that being President of the FCCI, he has the privilege to take up the major civic issues of Faisalabad at the highest forums. “I informed the Prime Minister and upon his directive Federal Minister Asad Umer contacted us and gave his willingness to start development projects on PPP mode. He said that the Government has also assured to provide state land for airport and other uplift projects while we would be free to hire consultancy services for the preparation of feasibility reports from any country of our own choice including US, Singapore or China. He said that Chief Minister Punjab was scheduled to perform the ground breaking ceremony of the Faisalabad Expo Centre on March 17 but this program was deferred due to the political instability. He said that FIEDMC has been entrusted with the ownership of this project that has already floated tenders for its first phase which is expected to be completed within 18 months. He was optimistic that Expo Centre would become operational by the end of 2023. He said that the government has already given its consent that the business community could construct and manage the new airport on its own. “The profit earned from it could be utilized to undertake new uplift projects”, he said and added that Mian Mohammad Idrees has launched a new hospital which would offer the latest cardiovascular facilities in addition to the liver transplant. He further said that many foreign investors are ready to invest in these projects and this meeting would provide them an opportunity to finalize their investment plans. He expressed satisfaction over the fast track growth of Faisalabad and said that a new Faisalabad will emerge due to the speedy industrialization during 2023-25.
Engineer Rizwan Ashraf said that more meetings would follow to prioritize the proposed projects in addition to giving final touches to the FDLF.
The participants of the meeting also appreciated the idea and gave their suggestions and proposals to transform Faisalabad into a modern city of international level.
The meeting was also attended by Vice President Rana Fayyaz Ahmad, Dr. Khurram Tariq, Mr. Shabbir Hussain Chawala, Mr. Muzamil Sultan, Engineer Ihtasham Javed, Mr. Arif Ihsan Malik, Mr. Qaiser Shams Gachha, Mr. Imran Ahmed, Mr. Wasim Afzal, Mr. Imamat Amjad, Mrs. Nighat Shahid, Mr. Naveed Sheikh, Mr. Salman Sooriya, Mr. Amir Sadiq and Mr. Omar Latif.
