ISLAMABAD, JUN 3 /DNA/ – The President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Nasir Mansoor Qureshi, has emphasized the urgent need for the government to focus on improving the ease of doing business in the upcoming budget. He stressed that reducing electricity tariffs is critical to lowering the cost of doing business, which will enable industries to operate efficiently, boost exports, and strengthen foreign exchange reserves, paving the way for national economic prosperity.
Speaking during an interview with a private TV channel, Nasir Mansoor Qureshi underlined that while taxation is the government’s prerogative, the business community, as a primary stakeholder in the economy, must be taken on board in all key economic decisions. “Involving the business community is essential to ensure the sustainability of a business-friendly environment,” he stated.
In response to a question, he called on the government to shift away from short-term economic fixes and instead design long-term, rational policies to steer the country out of its current economic challenges and towards stability.
Commenting on the recently promulgated Income Tax Ordinance, the ICCI President noted that the business community has out rightly rejected it by branding it anti-business. He criticized the move to curtail stakeholders’ appeal rights, implant Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) personnel within business entities, and the use of intimidation and harassment, stating that such measures always demoralize entrepreneurs and deter business growth, ultimately undermining tax collection efforts.
Nasir Qureshi asserted that only inclusive and well-thought-out policies can ensure the economic prosperity of the country by urging the government to foster a business-friendly atmosphere through constructive consultation with all stakeholders.
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