Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday expressed its concern over Indian Army Chief’s remarks against Pakistan and suspension of day-old new visa regime by India and termed them a blow to trade normalisation process being pursued by the business community.
In a joint statement issued here, LCCI Senior Vice President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, Vice President Mian Abuzar Shad and Executive Committee members said that Pakistani business community was continuously working for improved trade relations with the entire world, especially neighbouring countries, but it would never compromise on national sovereignty, dignity and interests. They expressed deep concern at the abrupt action taken by the India in suspending the day-old new visa regime, adding that Indian decision would damage the process of bringing South Asian countries closer together for establishing peace and economic prosperity in the region.
They said, “We have worked hard during the last two years by way of enhanced interaction and coordination on different fronts including diplomatic one, and frequent visit of delegations by both government functionaries and private sector, which has suffered a serious blow because of statements by various Indian government functionaries.”