Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Wednesday sought the intervention of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif regarding growing concerns of the business community over the enforcement activities of the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA), urging the government to ensure transparency, accountability and protection of legitimate businesses.
Business community seeks Punjab CM’s intervention on PERA enforcement activities
LAHORE, Jun 10 (APP): Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Wednesday sought the intervention of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif regarding growing concerns of the business community over the enforcement activities of the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA), urging the government to ensure transparency, accountability and protection of legitimate businesses.
The demand was made in a press conference held at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol addressed the press conference while Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, Vice President Khurram Lodhi, former LCCI President Muhammad Ali Mian, Executive Committee members and presidents of various markets were also present.
Saigol appreciated the business-friendly initiatives and reform measures undertaken by Punjab Chief Minister for economic development, investment promotion and improved governance. However, he said that serious concerns are being raised by traders and market representatives regarding certain enforcement practices of PERA, which are causing anxiety among the business community.
He said, Lahore Chamber fully supports the rule of law and effective regulatory oversight but believes that all enforcement actions must be carried out in a transparent, fair and business-friendly manner. He stressed that legitimate businesses should not be subjected to unnecessary harassment, uncertainty or coercive actions.
The LCCI President further said that the Chamber continues to receive feedback from different markets indicating that certain enforcement actions are being conducted without prior notice and without providing traders a fair opportunity to present their stance. He reiterated that while the business community fully respects regulatory authority and supports lawful enforcement, it is essential that all actions remain within clearly defined legal boundaries, ensuring transparency, accountability, and protection of legitimate commercial activity in order to maintain business confidence and economic stability.
He said, the government and business community are partners in economic development and prosperity, adding that effective law enforcement and protection of citizens’ rights are essential for sustainable economic growth.
