Business community commends Pakistan’s diplomatic triumph in US-Iran ceasefire

KARACHI, Apr 08 (APP):The Business community leadership, terming the US-Iran ceasefire as a landmark achievement on Wednesday, said that the development had brought immense pride and prestige to Pakistan because it was Pakistan that had effectively saved the world from the possibility of a much larger conflict.

Leadership of Businessmen Group along with office bearers of different chambers of commerce and industry and trade associations, speaking at a meeting held here at Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that at a time when the world was moving dangerously close to a catastrophic conflict, Pakistan’s leadership displayed remarkable wisdom, courage and maturity by taking the initiative to bridge differences between the two sides and pave the way for peace.

Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala, speaking at the occasion, stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar deserved the highest level of national and international appreciation for their exceptional statesmanship, visionary leadership and extraordinary diplomatic efforts in securing the ceasefire.

On behalf of Karachi and the entire business community of Pakistan, he extended heartfelt congratulations and paid glowing tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar for bringing immense pride, prestige and honor to Pakistan on the global stage. He remarked that although many countries had been attempting to find a solution, it was Pakistan that ultimately took the lead, emerged as the most credible mediator and succeeded in accomplishing what many considered impossible.

He expressed optimism that the ceasefire would continue beyond the initial period and gradually evolve into a durable peace arrangement, opening up opportunities for regional economic integration, relaxation of sanctions on Iran and stronger trade ties between neighboring countries.

Chairman BMG assured that Karachi Chamber’s business community stood fully united with the government of Pakistan and would continue to support every national effort in the larger interest of the country.

He also stressed on rationalizing taxes, utility tariffs and regulatory costs in order to protect exports and industrial activity, saying that the government must focus on reducing the cost of doing business to levels comparable with competing countries.

Vice Chairmen BMG Anjum Nisar, Jawed Bilwani, Mian Abrar Ahmed and Tariq Yousuf, in their remarks, termed it as a matter of immense pride that media across the world had acknowledged Pakistan’s role in achieving the ceasefire and said that Pakistan had played a lead role in saving the world from a much larger conflict.

They proposed to focus on food security, energy conservation and strategic fuel reserves to better withstand future geopolitical shocks. This was the time for the business community to contribute to national policy and convert challenges into opportunities, they remarked.

President KCCI Rehan Hanif, speaking on the occasion, termed the US-Iran ceasefire a breakthrough and paid tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar for their tireless efforts over the previous 72 hours in bringing both sides closer to an agreement.

President Islamabad Chamber Sardar Tahir Mehmood, Vice President Rawalpindi Chamber Fahad Barlas, President Sialkot Chamber Syed Ahtesham Mazhar, President Faisalabad Chamber Farooq Sheikh, President Pakistan Cloth Merchants Association Ahmed Chinoy, Former President Site Association of Industry Saleem Parekh, President North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry Faisal Moiz, Patron-in-Chief Bin Qasim Association of Trade and Industry Mian Muhammad Ahmed, President Karachi Customs Agents Association Yahya Muhammad, Chairman All Pakistan Fruits and Vegetables Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association Aslam Pakhali, prominent businessman Saleem Kapadia, and others participated in the meeting.