ISLAMABAD, OCT 14 /DNA/ – The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has decided to constitute a joint committee comprising representatives of the Chamber, market associations, traders and relevant business sectors to engage with the authorities and seek a practical solution to issues concerning PET bottles and plastic shopping bag regulations. The decision emerged from a largely attended consultative meeting chaired by ICCI President Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia, who categorically declared that the insult, humiliation and harassment of traders would not be tolerated. He urged the relevant authorities to ensure that environmental regulations were enforced through consultation, fairness and respect for the business community.
Addressing the meeting, Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia said traders played a vital role in sustaining economic activity, generating employment and contributing to government revenues, and their legitimate concerns must be treated seriously. Expressing concern over reports of raids, arrests and the sealing of business premises, he said abrupt enforcement without adequate consultation or reasonable notice created unnecessary hardship and uncertainty. He proposed that traders be given prior notices and a reasonable opportunity to rectify violations before coercive measures were considered, stressing the need for clear guidelines and effective coordination among relevant departments.
The ICCI President emphasized that the business community was not opposed to environmental protection or compliance with the law; rather, it sought workable policies supported by affordable alternatives, adequate preparation time and practical implementation arrangements. He noted that grocery stores, dairy retailers, restaurants, wholesalers and beverage businesses had different operational requirements that must be considered before imposing restrictions on PET bottles, plastic shopping bags and other packaging materials. He called for stronger recycling systems, public awareness and a phased transition towards alternatives, emphasizing that environmental objectives could be achieved more effectively through cooperation than through indiscriminate enforcement.
Reaffirming ICCI’s commitment to protecting traders’ interests, Zikria Akbar Zia said the proposed joint committee would consolidate the concerns and recommendations of the business community and facilitate structured engagement with the relevant authorities. He urged market associations and trade bodies to remain united and present their concerns through a common platform. He added that legal consultation, meetings with senior government officials and other appropriate measures would be considered in consultation with stakeholders, making it clear that ICCI would firmly raise its voice against unjust treatment and any infringement of traders’ dignity and legitimate business interests.
Senior Vice President ICCI, Mohammad Ashfaq Hussain Chattah, said the meeting had been convened to listen to traders’ concerns and develop a collective strategy for resolving the issue. He urged participants to demonstrate unity, respect differing viewpoints and pursue a practical solution through constructive engagement. He emphasized that the objective was not confrontation with government institutions but fair implementation of regulations that took into account the genuine concerns of businesses and the practical challenges faced by different sectors.
Vice President ICCI, Mohammad Waqas Khan Swati, stressed that unity among traders and market associations was essential to addressing the challenges arising from the regulations. He called for a coordinated approach under the Chamber’s leadership, emphasizing that traders’ concerns should be communicated collectively to the relevant authorities. He also underscored the importance of consistent enforcement, mutual respect and meaningful consultation to achieve a balanced and sustainable resolution.
Former President Sardar Tahir Mehmood, President All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajran Ajmal Baloch, President Markazi Tanzeem-e-Tajran Pakistan Kashif Chaudhry dand other representatives of market associations and business sectors expressed serious concern over reported raids, arrests, shop sealing and the limited availability of affordable alternatives to plastic shopping bags and packaging. They highlighted the potential impact of abrupt enforcement on small retailers, dairy shops, restaurants, wholesale markets and businesses holding substantial inventories. Participants called for clear product-specific guidelines, phased implementation, improved recycling arrangements and meaningful consultation with affected industries. They also stressed the need for coordinated legal and administrative engagement to address alleged harassment while ensuring compliance with applicable laws.
The meeting concluded with a collective call for dialogue, unity and a balanced approach that protects the environment without undermining legitimate businesses and livelihoods. ICCI reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with the relevant authorities through the proposed joint committee to pursue a fair, transparent and sustainable solution. The Chamber emphasized that environmental protection and economic activity must go hand in hand, with the dignity of the business community remaining a fundamental consideration in all enforcement measures.
