The government must evolve a strategy to eliminate the various crises that have gripped the country in the past few years and undermined the economic strength of Pakistan. This was the crux of the discussion at the National Conference on Peace through Business.
Swiss Ambassador Christoph Bubb was the chief guest, while Farukh Mazhar, President Swiss Business Council, Didier Boschung, Consul General of Switzerland in Karachi, Javed Jabbar, ex-Federal Minister for Information, Noman Khwaja, vice-president, Employers Federation of Pakistan; Pakistan-Japanese Business Forum CEO Abdul Kader Jaffer, Pakistan-German Business Forum President Saifuddin Zoomkawala and FPCCI Standing Committee on CSR Khadeeja Balkhi expressed their views at the conference.
Speaking as a panelist, Noman Khwaja said that Pakistan was facing the history’s worst-ever crisis on the external and domestic fronts. Energy crisis, regular killings, kidnapping for ransom, extortions and other external and internal crises have deepened the economic mess in the country. He stressed the government should fulfill its obligation by providing electricity, gas and improving the security situation and governance in the country. Jaffar said that Pakistan must not trade with India saying that we must not forget sacrifices of thousands of people.
Before liberalising trade with India, the core issue of Kashmir must be resolved, he added. Saifuddin Zoomkawala said friendship is essential to promote peace in business. He said that businessmen should be involved in the decision-making to handle important issues relevant to their field. Zoomkawala urged businessmen to join politics with a view that the political decisions have a long-lasting impact on the business and economy. “We should pursue the policy of forgive and forget to promote friendship, peace and business,” he added.
Earlier, speaking at the conference, the Switzerland Ambassador to Pakistan said both the countries enjoy long-standing friendly ties. Several notable companies of Switzerland were doing business in Pakistan for many years, he underscored, adding efforts should be made to achieve the Millennium Development Goals to improve governance, income and to reduce poverty. He asked businessmen of Pakistan and Switzerland to enhance their mutual cooperation, business, investment and social relationship.
