ICCI Calls for Inclusion of Islamabad in NFC, Vows Strong Resistance to Anti-Business Measures
ISLAMABAD: President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Sardar Tahir Mehmood has strongly emphasized the need to make Islamabad an integral part of the National Finance Commission (NFC), stating that this step is essential to effectively address the challenges faced by the business community as well as the residents of the federal capital. He said that the business community is the real backbone of the country’s economy and must be given due respect and meaningful representation in policymaking to ensure business-friendly economic policies.
He expressed these views while addressing a large delegation of the All Traders Welfare Association, Blue Area, and Islamabad, which visited the Chamber under the leadership of its President, Yousuf Rajput, on Thursday.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood stated that ICCI is the mother body of the business community in the federal capital and is fully committed to playing its advocacy role to safeguard the legitimate interests of traders, industrialists and entrepreneurs without any discrimination.
The ICCI President assured the delegation that the Chamber would never hesitate to strongly oppose any anti-business step taken by any institution. He urged the CDA to prioritize the comprehensive development of the Blue Area in order to facilitate commercial activities and promote sustainable business growth in the federal capital.
Earlier, President All Traders Welfare Association Blue Area, Yousuf Rajput, while eulogizing the dynamic leadership of ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood, said that he is a source of pride for the business community, which stands shoulder to shoulder with him in the struggle for its legitimate rights. He said that Blue Area is the largest commercial hub of Islamabad and plays a pivotal role in the economic development of the region. He added that the traders’ community looks towards ICCI leadership to hold a dedicated press conference highlighting the issues of Blue Area, similar to those held against the FBR and the CDA on property valuation and sealing of business premises.
Secretary General United Business Group Zafar Bakhtawari, while hailing the leadership qualities of the ICCI President, stressed the need for early resolution of business community issues. He also demanded that the capital city be provided with an effective local government system, similar to that introduced during the era of late General Pervez Musharraf, to ensure timely resolution of civic and business-related problems.
All speakers, including former ICCI Presidents Mian Akram Farid and Mohammad Ejaz Abbasi, Secretary General All Traders Welfare Association Blue Area Syed Imran Bukhari, Shaikh Kaleem Ibrar-ul-Haq, Raja Hamid and Naeem Siddiqui, said that they have no objection to the establishment of a food street in the area but strongly opposed the installation of billboards of the same colour and same design. They pointed out that Blue Area houses hospitals, hotels and other important offices, and emphasized that no compromise would be made on the provision of drop lanes and parking facilities.
Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub warned that if the problems of the business community are not addressed, the Chamber leadership would be left with no option but to adopt an aggressive stance. Vice President Irfan Chaudhry, in his vote of thanks, said that the Chamber is the second home of the business community and remains fully determined to continue its advocacy role for the resolution of their issues.Former Senior Vice President Khalid Chaudhry moderated the session.
Prominent participants included Rohail Anwar Butt, Malik Mohsin Khalid, Imran Minhas, Haji Naeem, Amin Peerzada, Azaz Mohammad, Syed Ashfaq Shah and others.