By Our Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: In a bold and impassioned address at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Mian Abuzar Shad emerged as a powerful voice for the country’s business community, slamming what he termed as “anti-business, unconstitutional and exploitative policies” being imposed by decision-makers in Islamabad.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Shad strongly criticized Section 37AA of the tax law, calling it a “black law” that undermines the business community’s trust and violates constitutional principles.
> “We are not against reforms, but we will not tolerate exploitation in the name of reforms,” he stated firmly.
He dismissed partial amendments, vague promises, and verbal assurances as “no longer acceptable” and demanded immediate and complete withdrawal of Section 37AA.
> “The business community will no longer be satisfied with empty words. We want concrete actions, not sweet talk and hollow commitments,” he declared, drawing a clear line in the sand.
Mian Abuzar Shad emphasized that traders and industrialists across the country are united in their demand for respect, equality, and partnership — not fear and surveillance. He noted that the state’s recent tax enforcement strategies have alienated the very people who contribute the most to the national economy.
> “Our silence should not be mistaken for weakness. We are now at a point where only decisive action will be accepted,” he added, receiving a strong round of applause from the audience.
The LCCI President’s speech has been widely hailed as a moment of reckoning, with many lauding his candid stance as reflective of the growing frustration within Pakistan’s business circles.
Industry leaders present at the event echoed Shad’s sentiments, warning that continued high-handedness could further erode business confidence and stall economic growth.
Observers believe that this united front by two of the country’s most influential chambers – Lahore and Karachi – marks a turning point in private sector resistance against regulatory overreach.
The business community now waits to see whether the federal government will heed the call and revise its policies in consultation with stakeholders – or risk deepening the rift with the engines of the economy.
