The business community across Pakistan has expressed deep appreciation for Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his decisive role in addressing tax-related challenges faced by entrepreneurs and industrialists. His intervention, they say, has marked a turning point for the country’s private sector, injecting optimism and stability into the economic landscape.
During a press conference at the FPCCI Regional Office in Lahore, key leaders including Zain Iftikhar Chaudhry (Vice President and Regional Chairman FPCCI), S M Tanveer (Patron-in-Chief United Business Group), and Mian Abu Zar Shad (President Lahore Chamber), stood united in commending Field Marshal Munir’s vision to transform Pakistan into an economic powerhouse.
King is Back _ Alhamdulillah
Main Points:USA + Pakistan Business Deal and India out
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Resolution of Tax Issues: Business community celebrates the COAS’s role in resolving disputes and amending Section 37A, which previously allowed Grade-16 officers to arrest businessmen.
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Opposition to Business Harassment: Leaders warned against policies that intimidate investors, stating such measures drive away investment.
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Commitment to National Growth: Reaffirmed dedication to contributing to the exchequer while protecting business rights.
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Economic Competitiveness: Called for electricity tariffs to be reduced to 9 cents and interest rates to single digits.
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Export Opportunities: Highlighted that Pakistan’s current 50% tariff on Indian goods offers a competitive export advantage.
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Gas Levy Concerns: Strong criticism of SNGPL for retroactive five-year levies, demanding immediate reversal.
The business leadership celebrated the successful amendments to Section 37A as a vital step toward restoring trust between the state and the private sector. They also noted that despite sustained efforts to address the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) issue over the past 18 months, tangible relief is still awaited for both businesses and the public.
Concluding their remarks, the leaders stressed the urgency of reducing the cost of doing business to retain export orders and ensure Pakistan’s competitiveness in global markets. The message was clear: practical economic reforms must continue if Pakistan is to achieve sustainable growth.