ISLAMABAD, Sep 07 (NNI): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said on Thursday that solving the problems of the business community was one of the top priorities of the government.
“As soon as I assumed the duties of the Prime Minister, I met the business community and listened to their problems. Despite the current economic conditions of the country, the business community is playing an important role in the development of the country’s economy as well as providing employment opportunities,” the prime minister said during a meeting with a delegation of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).
“The government is ensuring reforms in the tax system for which the tax system is being digitised. The improvement in the economy of the country is not possible until the tax collection in Pakistan is increased,” he added.
“An operation has been started across the country, especially in the border areas, to prevent smuggling. With regard to the prevention of smuggling, crackdowns have been carried out during the last 48 years, and positive results are being received. Consultations are ongoing regarding the promotion of trade with neighbouring countries. The prevention of smuggling has been welcomed by the neighbouring countries,” he stated.
“The country’s economy will be further stabilised by restoring the confidence of traders, industrialists and investors. The process of reforms in the electricity sector is going on rapidly. Stern action will be taken against the electricity thieves,” he emphasised.
“Consultation with all stakeholders is necessary to solve the country’s problems. The Ministry of Commerce should ensure regular consultations with the chambers of commerce and industries across the country. A report should be submitted soon regarding expanding the scope of FBR point of sales,” the prime minister directed the authorities concerned.
“The performance of commercial attachés posted in Pakistani embassies should be improved. The CDA’s system should be improved and the business community should be made a part of the consultation process. The CDA should digitise all facilities provided to citizens and land records,” he added.
The ICCI delegation met the prime minister under the leadership of President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari.
The commerce secretary, industries secretary, FBR chairman, CDA chairman and other senior officials participated in the meeting.
The business community congratulated the caretaker prime minister on assuming the charge. The delegation informed the prime minister about the problems of the business community and presented their suggestions to solve them.
The prime minister welcomed the suggestions of the delegation and assured a solution to their problems.
The PM directed that an early report be submitted regarding expanding the scope of FBR point of sales, improve the performance of commercial attachés posted in Pakistani embassies, improve the CDA system and make the business community part of the consultation process.
He also directed the CDA to digitize all the land record and facilities being provided to the citizens.
Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President ICCI said that the business community will fully cooperate with the government in efforts to revive the economy. He congratulated Anwaar ul Haq Kakar on assuming the charge of Prime Minister and briefed him about the key issues of the business community with proposals to their solution.
Faad Waheed Senior Vice President, Engr. Azhar ul Islam Zafar Vice President ICCI, Group Leader Khalid Iqbal Malik, Zafar Bakhtawari, Mian Akram Farid, Muhammad Ejaz Abbasi, Khalid Javed, Tariq Sadiq, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan and others were included in the ICCI delegation. NNI
