LCCI president, SVP and VP call for reforms as Rana Mubashir Iqbal pledges stronger economy

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Rana Mubashir Iqbal vows business-friendly reforms, says Pakistan emerging from Economic Crisis

By Our Correspondent

LAHORE, October 27: Federal Minister for Public Affairs Unit Rana Mubashir Iqbal has said that Pakistan’s economy is now in a much stronger position than in the past, crediting the government’s reform measures for restoring investor confidence and ensuring stability.

He was speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), where he emphasized that consultation with the business community will be the cornerstone of future policymaking.

LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol, Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, former presidents Mian Anjum Nisar and Muhammad Ali Mian, and several Executive Committee members attended the meeting.

Rana Mubashir Iqbal agreed with the LCCI President’s observations, acknowledging the business community’s vital role in economic growth. “While others dug holes, we are filling them,” he remarked, adding that the improving security situation is boosting investment prospects. He announced new industrial zones in Sheikhupura and Sialkot and confirmed that gas supply to industries has been restored, with the ban on new meter installations lifted.

Earlier, LCCI President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol highlighted the need to rebuild business confidence through sound policies and reforms. He warned that the current environment was discouraging investment, with capital flight and multinational exits posing serious challenges. Saigol urged the government to focus on SME growth and shift funds from non-productive programs toward job creation and industrial expansion.

He also proposed the inclusion of chambers of commerce in the government’s Grievances Wing to ensure that business concerns reach the Prime Minister directly.

The Minister appreciated the proposals, reaffirming that the government is determined to support industry and reduce reliance on the IMF. He praised Pakistan’s armed forces for safeguarding national sovereignty and expressed optimism about regional stability, concluding that “Pakistan is now on the right track, and the best is yet to come.”