ISLAMABAD: Various high-level foreign delegations, investors and businessmen have cancelled their visits to Pakistan as political unrest gripped the capital city due to Azadi and Inqilab marches of Imran Khan and Tahirul Qadri. Both the leaders have announced to march into the Red Zone where security has been handed over to Pakistan Army.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) cancelled its visit to Pakistan in wake of protest marches in Islamabad by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT). The IMF delegation was scheduled to conclude the ongoing review talks on the $6.67 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF). Similarly, Sri-Lankan Trade Delegation which was scheduled to visit LCCI from 21st to 22nd August 2014 is also postponed for indefinite period.
The economy has suffered a loss of Rs 150 billion in 15 days due to untoward situation created in the capital city by the sit-in protests led by Imran Khan and Tahirul Qardi, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and dissolution of the Parliament on immediate basis.
Aamir Abdullah Zaki, President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) while talking to Customs Today exclusively said that the image of the country is being tarnished at international level due to prevailing situation.
“The export of raw material is being completely stopped from Faisalabad and other cities of Punjab due to the protest demonstrations by PTI and PAT at Islamabad”, he added.
He further informed that the international business community is switching businesses to other neighbouring countries including Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and boosting their trade ties with these countries by ignoring Pakistan due to instable political situation of the country.
“Once the investors make trade ties with other countries, then it is difficult to get back their business”, he added.
President KCCI urged the government and both the parties’ leadership to resolve the issues through talks; otherwise the economic situation will get out of control with every passing day.
Abdullah Zaki further advised the PTI and PAT leadership to demonstrate tolerance in their attitude and resolve the issues amicably.
Commenting on the statement of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, President KCCI said that the “civil disobedience movement” will lead the country towards darkness and devastation.
The business community of Karachi was of the view that the democratic process should not be disrupted in any case.
They termed the announcement of civil disobedience movement by PTI Chief Imran Khan as illogical and a step against country’s progress.
They further said that the country cannot afford any confrontation in the prevailing economic condition.
They urged all the political forces to come forward and play their due role in saving the plunging economy of the country.
