By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: Mian Abuzar Shad, President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), has called upon the government to initiate reforms in the bureaucracy and ensure the inclusion of the business community in the economic policy-making process. He emphasized that any economic policy implemented without consulting the business sector would be ineffective and could further strain the country’s already struggling economy.
Highlighting the need for accountability, Shad proposed the establishment of an independent and effective system to hold bureaucrats accountable. This system, he suggested, should address complaints from the public and the business community promptly, ensuring a more responsive and efficient administrative framework.
“The bureaucratic system must be reformed to serve the nation and its people, not to act as rulers over them,” stated Shad. He further criticized the current attitude of bureaucrats, describing their behavior as dismissive and uncooperative toward the business sector. “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif must take strict notice of the bureaucracy’s conduct, as it often treats the business community as its subordinates rather than stakeholders in the country’s economic progress,” he added.
Shad stressed that active participation from the business community in the policy-making process would lead to more practical and impactful solutions to economic challenges. He underscored that the collective expertise and insights of entrepreneurs and industry leaders could help address real-world issues faced by businesses across Pakistan.
The LCCI President warned that if these reforms and inclusivity measures are not implemented, Pakistan’s economy could face further deterioration. He also cautioned that foreign investors might hesitate to invest in the country due to bureaucratic inefficiencies and the lack of a conducive business environment.
Read also: Exhibitions open new avenues for businesses: Mian Abuzar Shad
“The government must realize that the business community plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and generating employment opportunities. Marginalizing them in the decision-making process will only lead to adverse consequences,” Shad remarked.
The LCCI has reiterated its commitment to working collaboratively with the government to ensure sustainable economic development. It urged policymakers to establish a constructive dialogue with the business community and prioritize reforms to make Pakistan’s bureaucratic system more efficient and accountable.
