Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), has reaffirmed the business community’s unwavering commitment to Pakistan’s economic development, despite persistent challenges.

Addressing various business delegations at the ICCI on Thursday, Qureshi highlighted critical issues affecting businesses in the capital, emphasising problems related to the Capital Development Authority (CDA). He stressed the urgent need for CDA to address these matters on a priority basis to improve the ease of doing business and ensure the sustainability and growth of commercial activities in Islamabad.

He expressed serious concern over the growing encroachments in commercial hubs, stating that they have severely disrupted business operations. “Immediate action is required to abolish encroachments which are choking the city’s main business centers,” he emphasized.

Qureshi also pointed to deteriorating sanitation conditions and the acute shortage of parking spaces in markets, urging the relevant departments to take swift remedial measures to restore order and facilitate smoother business operations.

He called for the introduction of a one-window operation for business licensing to streamline administrative processes and create a more business-friendly environment in the capital. Additionally, he expressed hope that the upcoming federal budget would avoid overburdening existing taxpayers and instead focus on broadening the tax net to bring more entities into the formal economy.

Nasir Mansoor Qureshi reaffirmed ICCI’s continued support for the growth of the business sector and attracting foreign investment for the economic uplift of Pakistan. He concluded by stating that ICCI remains committed to advocating for the interests of the business community and working closely with government authorities to drive sustainable economic progress.