Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir held a detailed meeting with top representatives of the country’s business community, assuring them of full support in resolving their long-standing issues.
In the Samaa TV show, 'Red Line with Talat', participants of the meeting hailed it as a historic dialogue between military leadership and traders.
The meeting, attended by Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Abuzar Shad, Punjab Industries Minister SM Tanveer, Federation Chairman Atif Ikram, APTMA Chairman Kamran Arshad, and presidents of multiple chambers across Pakistan, lasted for over two hours.
The LCCI president on the show praised Field Marshal Asim Munir’s deep engagement. “Every trader was given a chance to voice their problems. The field marshal listened patiently and even took notes with his own hand. He gave us more honour and respect than we’ve seen in decades. I wish politicians would also learn a lesson,” he said. “Such a meeting happens once in a century.”
Shad added that the field marshal treated the issues of every business sector as his own and ensured that no point raised was overlooked. “He went into depth on each problem and promised follow-up through proper channels,” he noted.
APTMA Chairman Arshad echoed similar sentiments, calling the meeting "positive and encouraging." He shared that the business community was able to present serious concerns, including the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) powers to arrest or harass traders, the need for policy stability, the importance of boosting exports and remittances, and the urgent need to restore trust between the government and entrepreneurs.
“The field marshal was told that the tax collection rate increased due to the business community. We made it clear that foreign investment will not come unless the domestic business community is content,” said Arshad. “The army chief not only heard us out but immediately issued instructions to his team and directed that traders should not be harassed while solutions are being formulated.”
Arshad also remarked that the military leadership’s intervention has created hope where previous assurances by the Finance Ministry and FBR had fallen short. “The field marshal promised that traders would be given access to GHQ or SIFC to further pursue their concerns,” he added.
Traders who attended the meeting appreciated the respectful environment and even mentioned the hospitality. “The field marshal didn’t just listen — he hosted us well, and it felt like we were truly valued,” said Abuzar Shad.
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