By M Qadeer
LAHORE: Pioneer Businessmen Group (PBG) Chairman and LCCI presidential candidate Ali Hussam Asghar has said that no businessman should be arrested or humiliated over genuine commercial disputes, stressing that a balanced approach towards enforcement, taxation and regulation is essential for reviving the economy and promoting exports.
Addressing a grand gathering organised in support of the Vision Alliance at Avari Hotel on Saturday, attended by a large number of traders, industrialists and business community representatives, Ali Hussam Asghar said that the future of Lahore’s trade and industry depended on creating an environment where entrepreneurs could work with confidence and invest without unnecessary fear.
He said that the chamber’s role should be to protect the legitimate interests of traders and industrialists and develop stronger coordination between the business community and government institutions.
“Businessmen are the backbone of the economy. They create employment, invest capital, pay taxes and contribute towards national development. They should be facilitated, not discouraged,” he said.
Read also: PERA enforcement, regulatory challenges need balanced approach: Ali Hussam Asghar
PERA enforcement, regulatory challenges need balanced approach: Ali Hussam Asghar
No businessman should face unnecessary FIRs, harassment
Speaking about concerns of the business community regarding enforcement actions, Ali Hussam Asghar said that legitimate laws must be implemented, but businesses should not face unnecessary pressure or harassment.
He said that commercial disputes and regulatory matters should be handled through proper mechanisms instead of creating an atmosphere of fear among entrepreneurs.
“An environment where a businessman feels insecure cannot lead to economic growth. Our focus will be to ensure that legitimate business activities are protected and issues are resolved through dialogue and institutional channels,” he said.
He said that LCCI should work as a bridge between businessmen and government departments so that misunderstandings and disputes could be resolved at an early stage.
Balanced approach towards PERA enforcement
Discussing the role of the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA), Ali Hussam Asghar said that effective regulation was necessary for maintaining order, but enforcement must remain balanced and business-friendly.
He said traders and industrialists want compliance with laws, but enforcement procedures should be transparent, fair and designed to support economic activity.
According to him, the business community should have a proper platform where genuine concerns regarding notices, inspections or regulatory matters can be highlighted and addressed.
“Regulation should improve the business environment, not create uncertainty for investors and entrepreneurs,” he said.
He added that LCCI should establish stronger coordination with relevant government departments to ensure that issues faced by businessmen are properly communicated and resolved.
Export growth will be a key priority
Ali Hussam Asghar said Pakistan’s economic revival depends on increasing exports, improving productivity and encouraging investment.
He said Lahore has enormous potential because of its industrial base, skilled workforce and entrepreneurial culture.
“Exports must become our national target. We have to create conditions where businesses can compete in international markets,” he said.
He stressed the need for reducing production costs, improving energy affordability, facilitating exporters and providing businesses with better access to global markets.
According to him, LCCI should play a proactive role in connecting Lahore’s business community with international buyers, trade organisations and investment opportunities.
Economy needs revival through business-friendly policies
The PBG chairman said the economy could not be strengthened without supporting the private sector.
He said businesses require stability, policy continuity and a system where government institutions work in partnership with entrepreneurs.
He stressed that economic growth comes through expanding businesses, increasing industrial production and creating employment opportunities.
“Reviving the economy requires confidence among investors. When businesses grow, employment increases and government revenues also improve,” he said.
Centralised taxation system needed
Ali Hussam Asghar said multiple taxation issues and complicated compliance procedures remain major concerns for traders and industrialists.
He said businesses need a simpler and more transparent taxation system.
According to him, a centralised taxation approach could help reduce confusion, duplication and unnecessary administrative difficulties faced by businesses.
He said the objective should be to encourage documentation and expansion of economic activity rather than creating additional burdens for existing taxpayers.
“Businesses are willing to fulfil their responsibilities, but the system should be simple, predictable and transparent,” he said.
Labour, dengue, notices and industry issues to be addressed
Ali Hussam Asghar said the Vision Alliance would focus on creating effective coordination mechanisms to address day-to-day problems faced by traders and industrialists.
He said issues related to labour departments, dengue-related inspections, government notices and industrial complaints require better coordination between businesses and relevant authorities.
He proposed strengthening an industry complaint cell linked with government departments so that genuine problems could be tracked and resolved efficiently.
According to him, businessmen should not have to visit multiple offices for the resolution of routine matters.
“A strong complaint resolution system can save time, reduce difficulties and improve trust between government and the business community,” he said.
1-15 programme for business community
Ali Hussam Asghar said the Vision Alliance would introduce a comprehensive 1-15 programme aimed at bringing improvements in Lahore’s business and trade environment.
He said the initiative would focus on strengthening coordination, addressing business challenges and creating a more responsive system for traders and industrialists.
He said the objective was to bring practical changes that could directly benefit the business community.
“The chamber should not only discuss problems; it should work on solutions with measurable results,” he said.
LCCI should represent every segment of business community
Ali Hussam Asghar said Lahore’s business community includes exporters, manufacturers, traders, SMEs and entrepreneurs from different sectors, and every segment deserves representation.
He said the chamber should remain accessible for all members and work beyond traditional approaches.
According to him, effective leadership requires understanding ground realities and maintaining continuous engagement with the business community.
He said the Vision Alliance aims to strengthen LCCI as an institution that actively works for economic development.
Government-business partnership essential
Ali Hussam Asghar said cooperation between government and the private sector was essential for sustainable economic progress.
He said government institutions and businesses share the same objective of economic stability, employment creation and investment growth.
He added that LCCI should maintain constructive engagement with authorities while presenting the concerns of traders and industrialists.
The PBG chairman said his vision was to make LCCI a stronger voice for Lahore’s business community.
He said the chamber should focus on reducing hurdles, promoting exports, supporting industry and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs.
The gathering concluded with supporters expressing confidence in the Vision Alliance candidates for the upcoming LCCI elections.
