ISLAMABAD: Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, the President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has called on the government to involve the business community in determining market working hours.
He emphasized that imposing unilateral policies during challenging economic conditions would not yield favorable outcomes.
While supporting energy-saving measures, Bakhtawari stressed the importance of consultation to avoid any negative impact on the country’s economy.
Bakhtawari shared these views during a function held to honor Abdul Ghaffar Chaudhry, former Vice President of the Chamber and General Secretary of the Trade Welfare Association G-8/1.
The event also provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing construction works and the issues faced by traders in the markets.
Bakhtawari expressed satisfaction that the Chamber’s efforts have led to the initiation of development works in the Islamabad markets.
All the issues raised with the CDA have been addressed, and tenders for the development works have been issued, he noted.
Regarding taxation, Bakhtawari highlighted the need to expand the tax net rather than burden existing taxpayers.
He discussed his meeting with the finance minister, where he advocated for increasing the tax net in the upcoming budget rather than imposing additional taxes on those already paying.
The finance minister assured him that their budget proposals would be seriously considered.
Bakhtawari also suggested that, instead of enforcing an 8 p.m. shop closure, the government should consult the business community and consider adjusting office hours to 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., thereby eliminating the need for early shop closures.
During the event, Abdul Ghaffar Chaudhry, former Vice President of the Chamber, praised the seven months of work by the President of the Islamabad Chamber.
Besides, Nasir Chaudhry, President of the Trade Welfare Association G-8/1, expressed gratitude for the President’s exceptional efforts in resolving their issues.
Source: Islamabad Post
