President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari has urged the government to engage in dialogue with the business community to address their pressing concerns and provide extensive relief measures to prevent a complete economic collapse. In a statement issued here on Thursday, he warned that the growing frustration among businessmen, traders, and exporters could lead to rapid capital flight, as they were already exploring opportunities outside the country due to the absence of a business-friendly environment.

Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari emphasized that the government's role in creating a supportive environment for businesses is crucial for economic development, but lamented the lack of progress on key demands, including renegotiating agreements with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and procuring cost-effective electricity for the national grid.

He criticized the government's selective approach to problem-solving, noting that forceful protests often yield quicker responses than formal appeals. He highlighted the growing sentiment within the business community for strikes and protests, as previous appeals and press conferences have been ignored. The ICCI President in his concluding remarks stressed the need for business-friendly and long-term economic policies to promote business and investment activities in the country.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan