LCCI seeks immediate talks to defuse Tollinton Market tensions

By Commerce Reporter

LAHORE– The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Ali Hussam Asghar, Senior Vice President Sardar Usman Ghani and Vice President Khadim Hussain Chaudhry have expressed deep concern over the clash between traders and government officials at Tollinton Market, warning that such incidents could damage the business environment and undermine trust between the government and the business community.

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They stressed that issues between government departments and traders should be resolved through dialogue, mutual understanding and consultation.
These views were expressed during an emergency meeting at the Lahore Chamber. Former LCCI President Mian Misbah-ur-Rehman, Executive Committee members Muhammad Farghan, Zulfiqar Ali Chaudhry, Shahzad Mahmood and Tariq Mahmood, along with Sabir Hameed and Dr. Saleh Mahmood, also attended the meeting.
LCCI office-bearers made it clear that the Lahore Chamber does not support violence under any circumstances. They said that violence, provocation and confrontation could never provide a lasting solution to business-related disputes. They said that government officials must be respected and the law upheld, while traders’ concerns should also be heard and addressed fairly and constructively.

They pointed out that the dispute involving Punjab Food Authority officials concerned only a few shopkeepers, yet the entire market was sealed. They said such measures could adversely affect the wider business community and stressed the need for proportionate action and effective communication between traders and the authorities.

The LCCI office-bearers added that the Lahore Chamber believes in peaceful engagement and responsible cooperation between the business community and government institutions. Any incident of violence against public officials is regrettable and runs contrary to the principles of dialogue and mutual respect necessary for healthy relations between traders and the administration.

LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar, Senior Vice President Sardar Usman Ghani and Vice President Mr. Khadim Hussain Chaudhry urged government departments to take trader representatives into confidence before initiating actions that could affect business activities. They said timely consultation could prevent misunderstandings, reduce tensions and help ensure the professional implementation of official measures.

They added that traders play an important role in economic activity, employment generation and government revenue. Their concerns must be heard and addressed, while complaints should be raised through lawful and peaceful means. At the same time, government officials must be able to perform their duties in a safe and professional environment.

The LCCI leadership urged the relevant authorities and representatives of the Tollinton Market business community to begin negotiations immediately and resolve the matter amicably. Both sides were advised to exercise restraint, avoid escalating tensions and work towards a practical solution in the wider interest of trade and the city.

The office-bearers further emphasized that regular coordination and consultation among government departments, market associations and chambers of commerce could prevent disputes from escalating into confrontations. An effective consultation mechanism, they said, would strengthen communication, build mutual trust and improve the implementation of government policies.

They said that to a peaceful business environment and responsible conduct, the LCCI leadership stressed that cooperation between the government and the business community was essential for economic stability. Mutual respect, consultation and adherence to the law, they said, were key to protecting the interests of traders, government institutions and the public.