In a bold promise aimed at revitalizing Punjab’s border economy, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal announced on Saturday that his party would reopen the Attari and Fazilka border posts if it forms the government in 2027. The move is designed to supercharge trade with Central Asian countries and establish a special industrial zone in the border region.
Badal highlighted how the closure of these borders has crippled local trade activities. ‘Trade in the border areas has suffered immensely due to the shutdown,’ he stated during his address at Attari. ‘Upon election, we will reopen both Attari and Fazilka for exporting fruits, vegetables, and other goods, positioning Amritsar as an international trade hub and benefiting the entire region.’
Emphasizing industrial growth, Badal pointed out that many industries have migrated to neighboring hill states lured by special incentives. SAD is committed to setting up a dedicated industrial zone along the border, complete with attractive financial packages to draw investments and inject new vitality into the local economy.
Turning his guns on rivals, Badal urged Punjabis to back regional leadership over Delhi-centric parties like Congress, AAP, and BJP, which he accused of prioritizing power over state interests. He questioned the development records of past Congress regimes and the current AAP government, contrasting them with SAD’s achievements.
During SAD’s tenure, Punjab saw free electricity for agricultural tubewells, robust irrigation infrastructure, world-class roads, airports, mandis, thermal power plants, and welfare schemes including subsidized food programs, old-age pensions, and the Shagun scheme. ‘SAD alone is dedicated to Punjab’s welfare,’ Badal asserted.
Badal reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding Punjab’s honor amid political challenges and vowed to continue serving the people despite attempts by opponents to target him and his party. With 2027 elections on the horizon, this economic blueprint could reshape the border region’s fortunes.