By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: — Vice President PML-N Punjab and Chief Whip Punjab Assembly Rana Muhammad Arshad visited the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry and held a detailed meeting with LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, along with senior representatives of the business community. Senior Vice Presdient Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh and Vice Presdient Khurram Lodhi were also present in the meeting.
During the meeting, Rana Muhammad Arshad underscored the economic importance of Punjab, stating that it is the largest province and contributes a major share to the country’s GDP. He noted that Lahore has evolved into a large and strategically important commercial center, playing a vital role in national economic activity.
Highlighting government initiatives, he said that the “Suthra Punjab” program is not limited to major urban centers but has been successfully extended to smaller towns, aiming to improve cleanliness and civic management across the province. He further stated that the Punjab government is taking strict action against land grabbers, adding that significant progress has been achieved in curbing illegal land occupation and protecting property rights.
Rana Muhammad Arshad emphasized that maintaining and improving the law and order situation remains a top priority and a key part of the Chief Minister Punjab’s vision, as a stable environment is essential for business growth and investor confidence.
Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol raised serious concerns over the proposed imposition of an infrastructure development cess by the Punjab government. He said that at a time when the business community is already facing multiple challenges including high cost of doing business, energy prices, and taxation, any additional levy would further burden traders, exporters, and importers, ultimately contributing to inflationary pressures.
He urged Rana Muhammad Arshad to play his due role in conveying the concerns of the business community to the relevant authorities and to help prevent the implementation of policies that may negatively impact economic activity.
The LCCI President also highlighted the issue of restricted market timings, stating that reduced business hours are affecting commercial activity and limiting revenue generation. He informed that the Chamber has already written letters to the Chief Minister Punjab, calling for a revision and increase in market timings to facilitate business operations.
Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol stressed the need to further strengthen liaison between the LCCI and the Punjab government, noting that effective coordination and regular consultation are essential for addressing business-related challenges and ensuring pro-business policymaking.
He also proposed that the Lahore Chamber should be included as a special invitee in the Punjab Assembly’s finance standing committees, so that the perspective of the business community can be incorporated into financial and economic decision-making processes in a timely and structured manner.
He emphasized on the importance of sustained engagement and close collaboration between the public and private sectors.
