RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Saboor Malik has said that the economy of the country cannot afford sit in (dharnas). Businesses are already on the decline. The economic situation is uncertain and business activities are under pressure. The commuters and traders of the twin cities, especially locals, students and Government officials living across Murree road and Express Highway have always suffered from these long marches, rallies and sit-ins.
The protests and rallies must be carried on the given place allotted by the Government, he suggested.
While talking to different trade delegations at chamber house, the RCCI President urged that political parties should show acumen and wisdom and resolve issues with all stakeholders amicably. Currently the country is facing internal and external challenges, he added.
President Chamber Sabor Malik said, “We have strong hope that the consultation process between the ruling party and the opposition will go ahead and the deadlock or sit-in will not occur.”
Protests are a democratic right, but the country’s economy cannot afford to ignite protests in the name of protest. Repeated sit in have given the domestic economy many challenges. It is unable to go through any further challenges. All political and religious parties should demonstrate their tolerance and thoughtfulness.
The government should show high responsibility and negotiate with relevant stakeholders and find solutions to the problems so that strikes and sit in cannot take place. President Chamber Sabor Malik said that traders have no political agenda. We have only one agenda, the Economy. The government must provide a conducive environment for promoting business activities, he added. He said that stakeholders would have to work together to address the economic challenges.
