AtifIkram Sheikh, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), has expressed full support on behalf of Pakistan’s business, industry, and trade communities for the Army Chief’s resolve to achieve economic stability, growth, and prosperity in the country.
He acknowledged the Army Chief’s detailed consultations with the business community in Karachi, highlighting the importance of their input and recommendations. Sheikh praised the role of state institutions in creating an environment conducive to securing the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Fund Facility (IMF-EFF), specifically through fostering trust with friendly nations such as China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, which resulted in the rollover of bilateral loans.
He noted that these actions were vital for the success of the negotiations with the IMF. He also commended the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) for its key role in ensuring policy continuity and providing a favorable environment for foreign direct investment (FDI). “Continuity, consistency, and reliability are essential for attracting FDI to Pakistan,” he emphasized. FPCCI President reiterated his call for a long-term “charter of economy” that spans 15 to 20 years, ensuring that economic, investment, industrial, trade, SME, agricultural, and taxation policies remain stable regardless of changes in government.
“This is what national interest demands,” he added. Sheikh also urged the Army Chief to support efforts in lowering electricity and gas tariffs for the trade and industry sectors, which would facilitate the achievement of the Army Chief’s vision of economic growth, revenue generation.
