Press Release

Government, LCCI to Work Together for Industrial Growth

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan has said that strengthening the industrial sector, attracting new investment, increasing exports and providing a conducive business environment for the private sector are essential for sustainable economic growth. He said the government is working with the business community to promote industrial development, facilitate businesses, create employment opportunities and remove unnecessary hurdles. Addressing a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Haroon Akhtar Khan said the business community plays a fundamental role in the national economy, and policies must be designed to build investor confidence and support the growth of industry and trade.

He said the government was working on industrial policy and regulatory reforms to protect businesses from harassment, unnecessary inspections and unwarranted official action. He stressed that the unnecessary use of FIRs in business-related matters and measures such as freezing business accounts should be avoided, while transparency and due process must be ensured in legal proceedings.

The Prime Minister’s Adviser said government institutions should adopt a cooperative approach towards the business community. He added that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and other relevant departments must consider the importance of business growth alongside revenue collection, as a strong business sector contributes to employment generation, investment and economic stability.

LCCI President Mr. Ali Hussam Asghar welcomed Haroon Akhtar Khan and said that although the business community plays a vital role in economic development, traders and industrialists often face difficulties due to the discretionary powers and actions of various government departments.

He clarified that the Lahore Chamber was not opposed to the enforcement of laws and regulations; however, harassment of businesspeople and the registration of FIRs over minor violations were detrimental to commercial and industrial activities.

Mr. Ali Hussam Asghar proposed that fines and corrective measures should be preferred over FIRs for minor violations. He also called for advance notices and reasonable time for businesses to rectify environmental compliance issues, ensuring that regulations were enforced without unnecessarily disrupting business operations.

LCCI Senior Vice President Mr. Sardar Usman Ghani said strong relations between the government and the business community were essential for economic progress. He emphasized that the private sector should be consulted during policymaking and that obstacles hindering business activities must be removed.

LCCI Vice President Mr. Chaudhry Khadim Hussain said continued consultation and cooperation between the government and the business community could help resolve issues facing industry and trade. He stressed the need for joint efforts to promote business growth and strengthen the national economy.

The meeting was attended by former LCCI President Mr. Mian Misbah-ur-Rehman, former Senior Vice President Mr. Nasir Hameed Khan, former Vice President Mr. Haris Ateeq, Mr. Mian Sohail Nisar and Mr. Amjad Chaudhary.

LCCI Executive Committee members Mr. Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim, Mr. Syed Azmat Ali, Mr. Muhammad Ijaz Ghouri, Mr. Ali Raza, Mr. Adeel Babar Khan, Mr. Muhammad Ali, Mr. Muhammad Yaseen and Mr. Shah Bahram were also present.