By M Qadeer
LAHORE: Iftikhar Ahmad, a respected member of the Executive Committee of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and a former Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) chairman has voiced strong opposition to the controversial amendments in the Trade Organizations Act 2013.
He emphasized that the business community will not accept any changes imposed without proper consultation and warned of severe consequences if the government does not reconsider its decision.
Read also: Trade bodies, all chambers reject controversial amendments in Trade Organizations Act 2013
Speaking on the sidelines of the convention held at LCCI, Iftikhar Ahmad stated that the amendments threaten the autonomy of trade bodies and chambers across the country. He highlighted that these changes would increase bureaucratic control, limiting the ability of trade organizations to function independently.
According to him, such interference will create unnecessary hurdles in business operations and disrupt the harmony between the government and the private sector.
He expressed concern over the government’s move to conduct early elections under the amended law, calling it an unjustified exercise that would waste time and resources.
“The business community already operates in a challenging economic environment. Instead of addressing pressing issues like inflation, high energy costs, and taxation concerns, the government is imposing changes that will only create instability,” he remarked.
Iftikhar strongly supported the unanimous declaration issued during the convention, reaffirming the business community’s stance against the amendments.
He warned that if the government proceeds with its plan, all chambers and trade bodies will shut their offices and hand over the keys to the authorities as a mark of protest. The formation of the Action Committee, led by former FPCCI President Mian Anjum Nisar, is a crucial step in coordinating efforts to engage with the government and demand a rollback of the amendments.
The LCCI Executive Committee member underscored the need for a business-friendly environment, where policies are formulated through dialogue and mutual understanding rather than unilateral decisions.
He urged the Prime Minister, the President, and the Minister of Commerce to take immediate notice of the issue before it escalates further. “Bureaucracy must not be allowed to create a divide between the government and the business community. This is a critical time for Pakistan’s economy, and the government should focus on resolving existing challenges instead of introducing new complications,” he stressed.
Iftikhar Ahmad concluded by reiterating that trade bodies and chambers of commerce play a vital role in driving economic growth. “We are not against reforms, but they must be made through consultation. A strong economy cannot be built on the exclusion of key stakeholders. The government must reconsider its stance and engage in meaningful dialogue to ensure a stable and progressive business environment,” he asserted.
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