By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: General Secretary of the Lahore Super Market Association and Executive Committee Member of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Imran Saleemi, on Saturday criticized what he termed “harsh enforcement measures” against traders, including the registration of FIRs and sealing of markets, calling them a serious affront to taxpayers and the business community.
Speaking during a meeting with Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Saleemi said such actions were creating fear and uncertainty among traders, ultimately harming economic activity rather than improving compliance.
He argued that traders form the backbone of the national economy and are already contributing significantly through taxes, employment generation, and supply chain stability. “Filing FIRs and sealing markets is a grave insult to taxpayers and traders who are striving to keep businesses running under difficult economic conditions,” Saleemi stated.
The trader leader emphasized that if the government aims to achieve economic prosperity, sustainable growth, and job creation, it must shift away from coercive tactics and instead adopt facilitative policies. He stressed that trust between the government and the business community is essential for long-term economic stability.
Saleemi called for an immediate halt to what he described as excessive enforcement measures, urging authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders. He noted that frequent crackdowns not only disrupt commercial activities but also damage investor confidence and discourage entrepreneurship.
Highlighting key reforms, Saleemi underscored the importance of tax rationalization and ease of doing business. He said reducing the tax burden, simplifying procedures, and eliminating unnecessary regulatory hurdles would encourage traders to operate within the formal economy and expand their businesses.
“Tax reduction and ease of doing business are inevitable if the government is serious about economic revival,” he said, adding that a supportive environment would naturally lead to higher compliance and increased revenue collection.
During the meeting, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal acknowledged the concerns raised by the business community and reiterated the government’s commitment to economic reforms aimed at improving the overall business climate. He stressed the need for balancing enforcement with facilitation to ensure both compliance and growth.
The discussion comes at a time when Pakistan’s business community is facing multiple challenges, including inflation, rising operational costs, and regulatory pressures. Analysts note that constructive engagement between policymakers and traders will be crucial in shaping policies that promote inclusive and sustainable economic development.
The meeting concluded with a call for continued consultation between the government and trade bodies to address concerns and build a more business-friendly economic framework.
