Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has called for business-friendly and long-term economic policies to address the current economic crisis and promote business and investment activities. He emphasized the need for reducing the tax burden on businesses and offering incentives to stimulate commercial growth.

Addressing a banquet reception hosted in his honour at a local hotel here in Islamabad he said that the business community is not at all afraid of paying taxes and duties but these should be assessed on ground realities for the ease of the business community. He said that instead of imposing additional taxes on those who are already paying taxes, the tax net has to be widened, adding that policy inconsistencies are creating multiple problems.

He said that 2100 billion rupees are being paid to IPPs without generating electricity. If the transmission lines are not laid for the transmission of electricity, it is the fault of the government not the people? He said that the government’s industrial policy has also failed, which is increasing unemployment. He said that the government has to find a solution of the situation at the earliest possible time for the sake of the country, adding that’s why they have been demanding a forensic audit of IPPs to get relieved the people of this problem.

He impressed upon the business fraternity to forge unity in its ranks for the availability of level playing field for ease of doing businesses by saying that ICCI platform is always available to them for the purpose.

Nasir Qureshi, President Industrial Area Association said that the business community of Islamabad is indebted to Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari for his unprecedented support for ease of doing businesses who has been spending millions of rupees from his own pocket not only on the welfare of traders and civil society but for the promotion of education though installation of Water filtration plants, provision of computers and Lab equipment, adding that he has also been organizing free medical camps and free meals for the needy segments of society.

Wajid Ayub, Business leader of Tarnol said that PML-N government has stabilized the economy of the country by controlling inflation and restricting dollar rate and the political stability will improve by the passage of time. He added that he will be fully involved in the ICCI engagements for the betterment of the business community. Raja Javaid Iqbal, President Traders Welfare Association G-9 markaz said that traders community is whole heartedly working for the economic uplift of the country and will continue to do the same for its prosperity. Yousuf Rajput, Group leader Blue Area highlighted the problems being confronted by the community by emphasizing their urgent solution for ease of doing businesses.

Saifur Rehman , former VP highlighted ICCI President’s services with regard to the resolution of security related issues and making the capital city drug free in collaboration with the ICT Police.

Chaudhry Mohammad Ali, Executive member ICCI highlighted ICCI’s endeavors with regard to the enhancement of connectivity with the business entities of friendly countries.

Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, President I&T Centre G-8/1 impressed upon the FBR to revisit the Tajir Dost Scheme and adopt the measures which are practically implementable.