LAHORE: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) on Monday said no decision on a lockdown should be taken without taking stakeholders into confidence, stressing that effective outcomes require broad-based consultation.
Addressing a press conference at the FPCCI regional office, Regional Chairman Zaki Aijaz, along with United Business Group (UBG) Patron-in-Chief SM Tanveer and other leaders, said the government’s proposed lockdown plan could result in the complete closure of 30 per cent of businesses. They urged the authorities to reconsider the proposal and formulate policies in consultation with stakeholders.
The speakers also criticised remarks labelling businessmen as thieves, saying such statements undermine the business community and are detrimental to the economy.They further remarked that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir have played a key role in enhancing Pakistan’s strategic standing globally, strengthening its image as a capable defence power.
In this context, they called on the government to introduce a comprehensive, long-term industrial and trade policy to boost exports, improve industrial productivity, and ensure sustainable economic growth. Strengthening the economic base, they said, would further reinforce Pakistan’s position as a stable and progressive nation.
They emphasised that business activity cannot thrive without consistent long-term policies. They added that capital previously moved abroad has started returning to Pakistan following the war, with further inflows expected in the near term.
