ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The long marches by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) have been causing a financial loss of Rs 150 billion daily to national economy, besides rendering a large number of daily-wagers jobless across the country.
Trade Development Authority Pakistan (TDAP) Chief Executive S M Munir said Thursday that “Azadi March” of PTI and “Inqlab March” of PAT were adversely affecting the national economy.
“It seems that none of them realise the adverse impact on economic growth of these marches. Thousands of factories have altogether been closed down in the wake of volatile political situation in the country.”
Expressing concern over current political impasse, he said the national economy had been suffering badly for the last one month which was not being noticed by the top leadership of PTI and PAT. He said that it was high time for all political parties, especially the opposition, to resolve political issues and differences strictly in accordance with democratic values by holding parleys in the larger national interest.
Munir said that Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Zakaria Usman, SAARC CCI Pak Chapter VP Iftikhar Ali Malik and all other affiliated chambers had taken strong exception to long marches which have been inflicting losses to industry.
“The entire business community, irrespective of any political affiliation, always attaches importance to supreme national interest over petty personal interest,” he said, adding that Pakistan was the national identity, which was established after rendering sacrifices and business community will thwart nefarious designs of certain elements who are bent on to disrupt the peaceful environment in the country.
Munir hoped that leadership of long marches will realise the gravity of the situation and come to table for meaningful dialogue to end political crisis and shun politics of confrontation, violence and agitation.