Pakistan fertile land for growth, say optimistic businessmen

Today, all Pakistanis are celebrating the 70th Independence Day across the world. In the UAE, Pakistanis see bright future of the country despite all challenges.
Khaleej Times spoke to a select Pakistani businessmen and industry specialists based in the UAE on this occasion and they all wish for peace, unity and prosperity for the country. They call the UAE as their second home. It is estimated that around 1.4 million Pakistanis live in the UAE.
Ahmed Shaikhani, president, Pakistan Business Council, Dubai, said: "Let's celebrate this day - the day that gave us the freedom of thought, action, faith and speech."
"Let's take decision to value our nation and won't forget those sacrifices," said Shaikhani, who is also managing director of Memon Investments.
Iftikhar Hamdani, cluster general manager, Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman and Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman, said: "We would like to extend our sincerest greetings to all our Pakistani brothers and sisters in the UAE and across the globe, on the occasion of Pakistan Independence Day! This is a celebration of our nation's great history, along with the remarkable contributions of our heroes to gain sovereignty. We all take pride in our rich heritage and through Allah's guidance, we wish for peace, unity and prosperity for our beloved homeland."
Sohail Zubairi, head of a renowned Sharia advisory firm in Dubai, said: "Pakistan has all the ingredients to make it into an Asian tiger in no time if the political leadership gets united. The country has the most fertile land to feed double the current population, beautiful natural landscape to rival Swiss Alps, great rivers running through the length and breadth of the country, vast ocean frontage providing rich fisheries reserves, enormous minerals, and above all, high quality human resource to spur industrial revolution."
Zubairi added: "It is disappointing that despite such perfect formulae, Pakistan figures nowhere in the global progress and development race. Being part of Pakistani diaspora, I am hoping that the political leaders will get their acts together without wasting further time and work hard to grab the opportunity in this fast changing world to provide Pakistan its due position in the global community."
Mahmood Shaikhani, Managing Director of Shaikhani Group, said: "The people of Pakistan are celebrating the Independence Day at a time when the country's economic growth is accelerating from 4.5 per cent to 5 per cent this year, despite external factors and domestic challenges.
"I express my wholehearted congratulations to the people of Pakistan, who deserve a better life and better future. While the country has a huge potential to be a bigger economic power, our people are ready to play a larger role."
Shabbir Merchant, Managing Director of Champion Neon, said: "In the UAE, I celebrate the National Day with great fervour. Though the UAE is considered to be home away from home, we are still rooted in our culture and values."
Merchant added: "Pakistan is my identity and it is a land of countless possibilities. In my opinion, the investment opportunities will further improve as the political and legal situations are getting better. Moreover, the prices of properties are on the rise which makes Pakistan an ideal investment alternative. As a result, the overall business scenario is prospering and shall continue to do so."
Iskander Sultan Khwaja, managing director, KMI Group, said: "We are celebrating our beloved country Pakistan's 70th Independence Day. I congratulate all our countrymen on this auspicious day."
 
abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com