Business community has always supported the independence of judiciary which is essential for providing justice on merit to society. Businessmen being the key players in the development of national economy also deserve fair treatment. However, the arrest of some local traders on Saturday has created concerns in trading community which should be addressed on priority for finding out an amicable solution of this problem. This was stated by Shaban Khalid, Acting President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He said this issue further underscores the need of immediately enforcing a balanced Rent Control Act in Islamabad to avoid repetition of such untoward incidents as well as to protect the rights of both tenants and landlords.

Shaban Khalid said ICCI has time and again been raising its voice for promulgation of a balanced Rent Control Act in Islamabad because due to non-availability of such a law, rent disputes between tenants including shopkeepers and owners were on the rise while this particular happening lends further credence to our demand. He said local administration should immediately invite all stakeholders including business community for developing a consensus document on Rent Control Act so that Islamabad may not experience such more incidents in coming days which not only aggravates the healthy relations between the judiciary and the business community, but also put negative impact on business activities in shape of shutter downs and strikes.

ICCI Acting President said businessmen keep judges in high esteem. However, they desire that their rights should also be protected by a balanced law. He said the best solution of these problems is to promulgate a balanced Rent Control Act in Islamabad as soon as possible so that Islamabad could maintain the good tradition of being a peaceful and serene city free of tensions and strikes. He hoped that concerned authorities would take all necessary measures to find out a peaceful and win-win solution of this issue so that business community could focus all its attention on promotion of business activities.