LAHORE - The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) has urged the government for appointment of a permanent finance minister for the sake of trade, industry and economy.
In a statement, LCCI Acting President Khawaja Khawar Rasheed and Vice President Zeshan Khalil said that the portfolio of finance minister came under the prime minister’s control as per cabinet rules. They said that role of Shahid Khaqan Abbasi as prime minister is of utmost importance. An extra burden of finance ministry would divide his focus that is not good for the national interests.
They said that business community is facing various problems including delay in refunds, misuse of discretionary powers by the FBR officials, accounts attachment and high cost of doing business. The prime minister must have a full time finance minister who can handle these issues. They said that the country is witnessing an unstable economic situation. They said that business community understands well that there is no overnight solution of the economic problems but there is a dire need to set directions and to introduce economic reforms in the favour of trade and industry. The LCCI office-bearers said that government holds the responsibility to deliver.