Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry appeals to Finance Minister to stop Customs Department from creating harassment among business community

Lahore, January 25, 2014 (PPI-OT): The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday appealed to the Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar to stop Intelligence Units of the Customs Department from creating harassment among the business community. The LCCI Vice President Kashif Anwar was talking to a delegation of businessmen belonging to different City Markets here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Delegation was led by former LCCI Executive Committee Member Fahimur Rehman Saigol. The LCCI Vice President said that it was very unfortunate that despite clear direction of the Federal Finance Minister and Chief Minister Punjab, an atmosphere of harassment is being created for the businessmen who are the backbone of the economy.

Kashif Anwar said that the trading sector was already passing through very critical times due to unavailability of needed electricity and gas and in dire need of handholding by the government to run their businesses. He said that it came into LCCI notice that the officials of various department were creating harassment among the businessmen and seeking unnecessary documents under the garb on anti-smuggling drive.

He said that the private sector was ready to supplement all government efforts aimed at revival of economic activities in the country if they are provided breathing space but in the presence of such anti business tactics, it would be very difficult for the private sector to continue with their businesses.

He said that the Federal Finance Minister should take stock of the whole situation and stop such action. He said that their various meetings with the Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif, it was agreed that the business community would not be disturbed at any cost.

For more information, contact:
Shahid Khalil
Information Department
Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)
11-Shahrah-e-Aiwan-e-Tijarat,
Lahore -54000, Pakistan
Tel: +9242 111 222 499
Fax: +92 42 636 8854