Businesses slam ‘anti-industry steps’

While expressing concerns over the state of the country’s economy, the business community has demanded the government devise a long-term strategy to prevent such a crisis in the future. Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh has slammed the PMLN-led coalition government for taking such anti-industry measures without any consultation with the key stakeholders. “The ambiguity, secrecy and confusion related to IMF deal have created mistrust among the stakeholders against the government,” he said, adding the stakeholders are the people of Pakistan and the business community. “This secrecy will hurt the businesses, the public and eventually the country – we will not be able to recover anytime soon despite these measures,” the FPCCI chief said. Meanwhile, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mohammed Tariq Yousuf termed the mini-budget as a bitter pill. “Prevention is better than cure, why did we end up here?” he asked, demanding the government devise long-term economic policies.