Govt wants to make twin cities trade hub: Rashid
By Asad Cheema

ISLAMABAD—Federal Minister for Railways, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said that the tenure of the present government witnessed immense development in the industrial sector which never happened in the past.
Addressing on the inauguration of 3-day Industrial Exhibition here in the Convention Centre on Friday, the Federal Minister said that the present government provided immense relief to the Industrial Sector.
The Federal Minister said that Rawalpindi is the trade hub for Kashmir, Northern Areas and NWFP, adding that several under-going mega projects in the city would be completed soon. I want to make Rawalpindi and Islamabad same city controlled by the same administration, added by the Federal Minister. Commenting on the provision of Gas facility in Rawal Industrial Estate, the Minister said that he would himself talk with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in this regard and would get the approval soon. He said that Pakistani traders import almost every item from China and projects ranging from shoe to big item are occupied by the Chinese market, adding that the gap between imports and exports are being increased day by day.
China as friendly country of Pakistan playing a significant role in the development of Pakistan, added by Minister. Commenting on the trade relations with Iran, the Minister said that the relations are being enhanced with the passage of time. President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce, Hasan Sarosh on the occasion said that the main objective to organise the exhibition to enhance the trade activities in the area of Potohar.
Add agencies, He said that there is immense need of national reconciliation under the current prevailing situation in the country. He further said that government should allow the former premier Mian Nawaz Sharif to come back to Pakistan, adding no major changes would occur in the country after his arrival. The Federal Minister reminded that when we were in opposition then our party activists were arrested as it is political culture. Benazir Bhutto is ready to do every thing for reconciliation but PML-Q is causing hurdle.
The demand of Benazir Bhutto to lift the ban on becoming Prime Minister third time should be accepted because reconciliation with her is the need of hour, he suggested. He said that international community is closely monitoritin the situation so we should attempt to solve our problems collectively. Replying to a question, the Federal Minister said that all the matters except to lift the ban on becoming third time Prime Minister with Benazir Bhutto have been settled. Government is ready to withdraw all the cases against Benazir Bhutto, he disclosed. He added that it is of no importance that incumbent assemblies would complete its tenure or not, political scenario would be changed in next few days, he concluded.