ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), on Wednesday urged the government to adopt consultative and business-friendly policies to strengthen the economy and foster a culture of respect and cooperation between authorities and entrepreneurs.
Addressing a delegation of the Islamabad Tyres Association, led by its President Riaz Khan, President ICCI Sardar Tahir Mehmood Sardar emphasized that the business sector is the primary stakeholder in the country’s economic progress, as it pays substantial taxes and fulfills all legal obligations.
Yet, he regretted, it is not given the due respect and facilitation it deserves, a trend that is discouraging and detrimental to economic growth, said a press release.
The delegation briefed the ICCI President about an incident in which officials of the Customs Enforcement Department raided five tyre shops in Islamabad’s Blue Area during late-night hours. The officials reportedly seized all the tyres, sealed the shops, and behaved in an intimidating and disrespectful manner, without presenting valid grounds or following due process.
The Association representatives clarified that the seized goods were fully legal and accompanied by proper documentation. However, the customs staff ignored their explanations and proceeded with the seizure, which they said reflects a trend of harassment of law-abiding businesses.
The delegation warned that such actions not only demoralize legitimate traders but could also deter investment and jeopardize the broader economic environment.
ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood urged the Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to take immediate notice of such high-handed actions by field formations. He urged that enforcement agencies must engage with respective business associations prior to conducting inspections or raids, in order to maintain transparency and build trust.
He further remarked that ICCI is fully committed to advocating for the rights of the business community and promoting a conducive environment for trade and industry. However, clampdowns on compliant businesses would result in counterproductive outcomes, including loss of confidence, decline in revenue generation, and disruption of the economic revival process.
The ICCI President reaffirmed the Chamber’s support for the tyre dealers and vowed to raise the issue at all relevant forums, calling for an end to unwarranted harassment of traders. He also urged the government to adopt consultative and business-friendly policies to strengthen the economy and foster a culture of respect and cooperation between authorities and entrepreneurs.
