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ISLAMABAD, Feb 3 (APP):The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has highly appreciated Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for rolling out a comprehensive relief package for industries and exporters, describing it as a timely and positive step towards reviving economic activity, restoring investor confidence and strengthening Pakistan’s export base.
Addressing a well-attended press conference, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood said that the Prime Minister announced the relief measures, for which the press conference was convened, primarily to express gratitude and acknowledgement.
He also lauded the Prime Minister and Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for reviewing and restructuring the Islamabad immovable property valuation table in line with the outcomes of extensive discussions held between ICCI leadership and FBR authorities at the FBR headquarters.
He stated that this rationalization would help restore market confidence and encourage genuine investment in the real estate sector.
The ICCI President highlighted that the relief package includes a Rs 4.04 per unit reduction in electricity tariffs, lowering of industrial wheeling charges to below Rs 9, reduction in the Export Refinance Scheme (ERS) rate from 7.5 percent to 4.5 percent, and the issuance of blue passports to leading exporters for two years.
He termed these measures a clear reflection of the Prime Minister’s commitment to promoting trade, investment and exports, and reiterated ICCI’s full support for the government’s economic vision.
He reaffirmed the Chamber’s resolve to continue acting as a bridge between the government and the private sector for ensuring economic stability and national prosperity.
Sardar Tahir Mehmood pointed out that excessive taxation and high interest rates are making Pakistan a difficult place to do business, and urged the government to rationalize these factors on an urgent basis.
The ICCI President further stressed that bringing KIBOR to single digits is essential to reducing the cost of doing business and stimulating long-term investment.
He reiterated ICCI’s strong demand to declare the real estate sector as an industry, noting that it not only fulfills housing needs but also supports dozens of allied industries. He also proposed the organization of a National Real Estate Conference with participation from all key stakeholders to identify sectoral challenges and facilitate effective policy-making.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman ICCI Founder Group Sheikh Tariq Sadiq welcomed the Prime Minister’s relief package but emphasized the need for further measures to enhance industrial competitiveness and sustain economic growth.
Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub, Vice President Irfan Chaudhry, former Presidents Zubair Ahmed Malik, Mohammad Ejaz Abbasi, Executive Members Ishaq Sial, Zulqurnain Abbasi, Sanaullah Khan, Ms. Fatima Azim, Malik Mohsin Khalid, Imran Minhas, Raja Naveed Satti, and a large number of business community members were also present at the press conference.