Business community and the trade bodies on Sunday widely appreciated Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani for his assurance of not resorting to any undemocratic and unconstitutional move during presentation of upcoming Punjab Budget in the Punjab Assembly.
Talking to APP here, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Irfan Qaisar Sheikh said the prime minister’s commitment was a good omen and a fine tradition which a democratic system exactly needed to remove the people’s grievances. “All parliamentarians must lodge their protest or give suggestions on any issue of public/national interest but in accordance with the constitution and in a democratic way,” he added.
The LCCI president was of the view that such traditions and pattern would definitely bring political stability that was a prerequisite to economic development and people’s prosperity. To a question, Irfan Sheikh said, “Obviously, the local and foreign investors do well evaluate political stability as well as law and order situation before initiating any project or setting up an industrial unit in the country.”
Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts &Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) and Punjab Business Forum (PBF) Chairman Syed Nabeel Hashmi observed that the prime minister’s gesture regarding Punjab budget would ensure political stability and enable elected representatives to render public service in a more effective manner.
Hashmi said that hooliganism and riot, as was witnessed in the National Assembly during the budget speech, would not promise betterment for anyone either for the masses, the politicians, business community, investors and industrialists.
To a question, the PAPAAM chairman said public representatives should apply their minds and energy on constructive work to benefit the masses instead of wasting their precious time in blame game or hooliganism.
To another question, he said the parliamentarians, who were opposing and objecting the federal budget, should instead have given their suggestions or debated the issues, while strictly observing the parliamentary norms and values. The agitation and altercation in parliament sent a very wrong signal to the world especially to the potential investors for Pakistan, he maintained.
All Pakistan Textile Mills Association’s (APTMA) former chairman Gohar Ejaz said that Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani’s commitment on Punjab budget had proved the fact that he had great respect for the parliament and the Constitution. He added that people should also respect their representatives and the parliamentarians must establish their mutual respect and dignity.
SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Iftikhar Ali Malik, while commenting on the PM’s assurance, said that observance of democratic values is the only way to attract local and foreign investors as well as put the country’s economy on path to development and prosperity.
