The business community in a meeting held at Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) under the chair of its President Mian Shaukat Masud greatly lauded the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s landmark verdict declaring the actions taken on Nov: 3, 2007 by former President Pervez Musharraf as unconstitutional and invalid.

They said this historic decision will go a long way in bringing revolutionary positive changes in socio-economic & political structure of Pakistan, paving way for the healthy growth of business and economic activities in the country.

Mian Shaukat said now the time has come that instead of personalities, institutions should be promoted and strengthened and this momentous decision of Supreme Court is the right step in that direction. He said by strengthening institutions, Pakistan will not only get its due status in the comity of nations, it will get on fast economic track as business activities will grow smoothly.

He also hoped that country will now witness long term consistency in government’s policies which were must for the development of business and industrial activities in the country and for luring more investment. He expressed his optimism that this decision will now block forever the entry of unconstitutional forces in country’s political arena.

Muhammad Ishtiaq Qureshi, Vice President ICCI said dictatorial governments always proved damaging for the country as they weakened the institutions and hampered economic growth. He said these undemocratic governments had been getting legal cover in the past from the pliant courts but added that this revolutionary decision has put an end to this practice, which shows that our judiciary has regained its assertiveness, impartiality and independence, which is a good omen for the country.

Mian Shaukat Masud said if all institutions work as per their role, country will get rid of political, economic and judicial crisis as these crises always applied brakes to the growth of business & economic activities.

He was very much hopeful that this decision will usher in a new era of progressive democracy, strengthening of institutions, healthy promotion of businesses, investment & exports, creation of new employment opportunities, ultimately leading to wellbeing and prosperity of people.