ISLAMABAD: President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Sardar Tahir Mehmood has called for the immediate inclusion of Islamabad in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, stating that the federal capital cannot effectively meet its growing developmental, administrative and civic challenges without receiving an appropriate share in national financial resources.
He emphasized that the business community, which serves as the backbone of the country’s economy, must be given proper recognition and meaningful participation in economic policy-making to ensure sustainable growth and business-friendly reforms.
Talking to different visiting delegations of business leaders at the Chamber House on Wednesday, he said that Islamabad, despite being the country’s capital and an important economic center, has remained deprived of adequate financial allocations for years.
He maintained that granting Islamabad representation in the NFC Award would help strengthen civic infrastructure, improve municipal services and address the rapidly increasing needs of the city’s residents and business sector.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood observed that the business community is currently facing immense challenges due to increasing administrative pressures, high operational costs and various economic difficulties, which are negatively affecting trade and investment activities.
He stressed that sustainable economic growth is only possible when traders, industrialists and entrepreneurs are taken into confidence and provided a conducive environment for doing business.
He termed Islamabad’s inclusion in the NFC Award a crucial step toward ensuring improved governance and long-term development in the federal capital. “Islamabad must receive its rightful financial share so that the city can progress in line with modern economic and urban requirements,” he remarked.
He added that enhanced financial resources would enable the authorities to improve public services, infrastructure and facilities necessary for promoting economic activities and attracting investment.
The ICCI President further said that the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, being the mother body of the business community in the federal capital, remains fully committed to safeguarding the legitimate interests of traders, industrialists and entrepreneurs without any discrimination.
He added that the issue has become more significant as the government has initiated deliberations on amendments to the NFC Award formula, making it the right time to effectively present Islamabad’s case at the national level.
The visiting business delegations strongly supported the demand for Islamabad’s inclusion in the NFC Award and stated that the federal capital deserves adequate financial allocations in accordance with its administrative responsibilities, growing population and expanding commercial activities.
They emphasized that sufficient financial resources are essential to address the city’s developmental needs and improve facilities for both residents and the business community.
On the occasion, Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub and Vice President Muhammad Irfan Chaudhry, Executive Members, Ishaq Sial, Zulqurnain Abbasi, Waseem Chaudhry and senior member Israr ul- Haq Mishwani were also present.
