Rawalpindi — Advisor to the Chief Minister Punjab on Artificial Intelligence and Special Initiatives, Ali Mustafa Dar, visited the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), where he met leading business figures and discussed plans for digital governance, industrial expansion, and investment facilitation in the province.
The delegation was received by RCCI President Usman Shaukat, Vice President Fahad Barlas, former presidents, and members of the executive committee, along with representatives of various trade and business bodies.
Prominent participants included stakeholders from the Ring Road Development Committee and senior representatives of trade associations, reflecting broad engagement from the local business community.
During the meeting, RCCI leadership highlighted the importance of the Rawalpindi Ring Road as a major infrastructure project and stressed the urgent need for dedicated economic and industrial zones to transform the city into a regional commercial hub. They also urged expedited land acquisition and early announcement of development zones in connection with the project.
Chairman Ring Road Development Committee Syed Asad Mashhadi briefed participants on the project, stating that industrial and commercial relocation along the corridor would help ease urban congestion while unlocking growth in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, furniture, construction materials, gems and jewelry, and logistics.
Addressing the gathering, Ali Mustafa Dar said this was his first official visit to Rawalpindi since assuming office and noted that the government’s focus on economic stability and governance reform was beginning to reflect in key indicators.
He emphasized that Pakistan must leverage recent diplomatic progress to attract foreign direct investment and strengthen its economic position. He further stated that he has been tasked with overseeing artificial intelligence and special initiatives aimed at improving governance efficiency and reducing bureaucratic delays.
Dar announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art AI Delivery Unit, describing it as a pioneering initiative designed to transform public service delivery through artificial intelligence. He said the unit is expected to be launched next month and could attract significant investment potential estimated at $5–6 billion.
He also revealed that Rawalpindi would become the first city under the Central Business District (CBD) and Smart Rawalpindi vision to develop a dedicated economic and industrial zone, supported by a special working group for implementation and coordination.
Business leaders used the session to present proposals on trade facilitation, operational reforms, and regulatory improvements, including suggestions related to business hours, market relocation, and strengthening public service delivery.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to enhance cooperation between the government and the business community to support economic development, investment growth, and modernization of urban infrastructure.
