ISLAMABAD, AUG 12 /DNA/ – The business leaders of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have sought the review of the supreme court of Pakistan decision pertaining to the closure of Monal and La Montana. The largely attended convention of business communities from all the tiers of the twin cities held here in Islamabad on Monday which unanimously adopted a resolution pleading the apex court to review the closure verdict in the interest of the community as well as the country.
In his address Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry by urging the need of unity in the ranks of the business community for the solution of its problems emphasised the government to regulate both the entities instead of their closure. He said that both Monal and La Montana are the highest tax payer organizations of the capital and that when the local investors are meted out such a humiliating attitude how the foreign investors will come forward for investment.
He added that till the holding of the local bodies election in Islamabad the government should grant an extension to both the iconic identities of Islamabad.
President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Saqib Rafiq said that the government should facilitate the business community and give protection to entities like Monal and La Montana for the promotion of the soft image of Pakistan in the world. He expressed the hope that some viable and amicable solution of the issue will be found which will also save 2200 families from unemployment and starvation.
Vice President Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tariq Jadoon said that the business community of the entire country is already suffering from the illogic decisions of the government and the closure of these two most visited sites of the capital will add to their miseries.
Former President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Secretary General United Business Group Zafar Bakhtawari said that Pakistan is the blessing of Allah Almighty which was created by our forefathers after immense sacrifices and that he was sure that we will pull it out unitedly from all the odds. He said that he is optimistic that both the restaurants will not be closed and we will find out a solution by exercising wisdom and insight without indulging into any disruption.
Former President ICCI Sardar Yassir Ilyas by terming Manal as the international brand of hospitality said that the government should provide a level playing field to the business community and that Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, SIFC and other stakeholders should sit together to find out a solution of the matter.
President All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajraan Ajmal Baloch said that Manal and La Montana are brand names which are paying Rs. 300 million annually as tax. He impressed upon the CJP, PM and Army chief to pay heed to the problems of the business community because more than 1.6 million people have already left the country in sheer disappointment
President Markazi Tanzeem-e-Tajraan Pakistan Kashif Chaudhry said that it is the prime and foremost duty of the government to protect the business community which is the biggest stakeholder of the country’s economy. He said that if there is some lacuna in the constitution regarding the restaurants in the margalla hills area that should immediately be removed and that if the government is hell-bent to close the both then it will have to close all the one hundred and thirteen similar entities located in Islamabad.
President Islamabad Estate Agents Association Sardar Tahir Mahmood said that the government must exercise wisdom and shun the discriminatory attitude towards the business community of Islamabad if it really wants to attract foreign investment in the country.
Chairman Islamabad Restaurants Association Habib Ullah Zahid by terming the closure of Monal and La Montana as the economic murder of 7000 individuals asked ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari to convene a meeting on this burning issue to find out a suitable solution at the earliest.
Council Member ICCI Nasir Qureshi called for a sympathetic review of the issue for the win-win position of all the sides.
Earlier Chairman Manal Luqman Afzal and Chairman La Montana Dr. Amjad apprised the participants in detail of the actual background and their efforts to develop the sites as international brands.
President National Press Azher Jatoi and Secretary Nayyar Ali expressed their fullest solidarity with the business community for the growth of business in twin cities.
