Business community lobbying for relief from the federal government

KARACHI / Islamabad: A delegation from Karachi contacted the federal government on the first day of lockdown and called for relief measures to reduce the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak.

Prime Minister's Adviser for Finance and Revenue Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh presided over a meeting via video link in which Governor Sindh Dr. Imran Ismail was also present.

The Prime Minister's Adviser for Trade Abdul Razzaq Daud, Advisor for Institutional Reforms Ishrat Hussain and Advisor for Petroleum Nadeem Babar were also present at the meeting.

Karachi's community of industrialists including Saram Qasim Teli, Ziad Bashir, and Aqeel Karim Dhabi also attended the meeting.

According to Siraj Qasim Teli, the business community sought relief for tax and interest rates, including electricity and gas prices, for at least the next two months.

Hafiz Sheikh accepted the proposal, but he made no promises.

Advisor Treasurer Hafiz Sheikh explained that the government is facing challenging conditions and its main purpose is to do three things.

According to a statement issued by the finance ministry, the prime minister's adviser said, "The first task is to stop the virus, secondly to provide health care to those who need it, to keep food items at a reasonable cost, as well as to the common man's pocket." I was able to keep enough money at home so that I could finally provide the support and support of the business community to run their businesses without damaging the economy during the outbreak. '

Watching the press release, the government seemed to remind the business community that they were committed to their priorities and could not promise anything.

The adviser told the business community "Trust the government is there to help you" and he called on the business community to "look after the daily wage earners".

On the occasion, traders, including representatives from the garment, textile, pharmaceutical industries, Pakistan Stock Exchange and tourism and hotel sectors, presented a presentation on the issues they face and seek government assistance in this crisis. ۔

He requested that they be able to take care of daily wage earners for the next 2 to 3 months and provide support to keep their business going.