Karachi: Mian Zahid Hussain, a prominent figure in Pakistan's business community, has emphasized the potential of Loralai district in Balochistan to become an agricultural, mineral, and trade hub. He highlighted the need for improved security, infrastructure, and value addition to fully exploit these opportunities and suggested that the district could contribute up to $1 billion annually to the economy.
According to Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, Hussain, who holds multiple influential positions including President of PBIF and Chairman of the National Business Group Pakistan, pointed out the district's economic potential in agriculture, horticulture, livestock, minerals, and interprovincial trade. However, he noted that challenges such as inadequate security, water and electricity shortages, and poor road connectivity hinder full realization of these resources. He stressed the importance of modernizing economic planning and security arrangements to attract investment and foster industrial development.
Hussain provided detailed insights into the demographics and economic activities in Loralai, noting its strategic location and young population as potential strengths. He advocated for government strategies to enhance education and technical training, particularly for the district's youth, to address unemployment and poverty. The district's agricultural products, like olives and almonds, already recognized internationally, could achieve greater market presence with improved processing and packaging facilities.
The district's mineral wealth, including fluorite and marble, offers further economic opportunities, according to Hussain. He urged for value-added processing facilities and completion of proposed projects like the Marble City to maximize local economic benefits. Security concerns, particularly along the N-70 National Highway, were also highlighted, with recommendations for enhanced surveillance and policing to safeguard trade routes.
Hussain called for sustainable agricultural practices to address water scarcity issues and proposed the establishment of a District Economic Commissioner to coordinate development efforts across various sectors and stakeholders. Concluding his remarks, he expressed confidence that with strategic planning and investment, Loralai could significantly boost its economic contributions and emerge as a key commercial center in the region.