By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE – The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has extended heartfelt gratitude to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his pivotal role in addressing and resolving key challenges faced by the business community.
During a joint press conference, FPCCI Vice President and Regional Chairman Zain Iftikhar Chaudhry, UBG Patron-in-Chief S.M. Tanveer, FPCCI Vice President Zaki Ijaz, Lahore Chamber President Mian Abuzar Shad, and other prominent business leaders paid tribute to Field Marshal Asim Munir, acknowledging his sincere efforts and support for Pakistan’s traders and industrialists.
“The business community is deeply thankful to Field Marshal Asim Munir. He has done a great favor by resolving our core issues,” said Zain Iftikhar Chaudhry. “We salute him for his vision and commitment to economic progress. His dream to transform Pakistan into an Asian Tiger is one we fully support.”
The speakers highlighted the recent amendment to Section 37-A, which previously allowed any Grade-16 officer to arrest businessmen. “If you intimidate investors, they’ll take their business elsewhere,” they warned. They appreciated the reforms and congratulated the business community nationwide on this achievement, calling it a big step toward economic freedom and stability.
They also emphasized the importance of tax compliance, stating, “We want to pay taxes, and we do not support those who evade them. But where there’s injustice, we will stand united.”
The FPCCI leaders called for a reduction in the cost of doing business, urging the government to bring down electricity prices to 9 cents per unit and slash interest rates to single digits. “If this isn’t done quickly, export orders will shift to other countries,” they cautioned.
They further criticized the imposition of levies by SNGPL on gas bills from the past five years, calling it unjust and demanding its immediate withdrawal.
Commenting on regional trade, they pointed out that with a 50% tariff now imposed on Indian exports, Pakistan has a golden opportunity to boost its own exports—provided that necessary government support is ensured.
The FPCCI leadership also expressed disappointment that their 18-month-long struggle against IPPs has yet to yield real benefits for either the business community or the general public.
“We must all unite to strengthen our economy. It’s time to put Pakistan on the road to prosperity,” they concluded.
