Punjab PA speaker vows to address businessmen’s concerns

LAHORE: Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan has assured the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) that its concerns and proposals regarding regulatory enforcement, taxation, industrial development and investment facilitation will be taken up with the relevant authorities.

“Effective legislation requires consultation with stakeholders and that excessive regulation can discourage investment and undermine economic activity,” he said while speaking at the LCCI on Friday. LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar, Senior Vice President Sardar Usman Ghani and Vice President Chaudhry Khadim Hussain presented proposals to end the FIR culture, prevent the humiliation and harassment of traders, review arrest powers, and address other issues affecting the business community.

Acknowledging the importance of business community’s contribution to economic growth, employment generation, foreign direct investment, foreign exchange earnings, infrastructure development and corporate social responsibility, the Speaker said that taxation and regulatory policies should be formulated with appropriate consultation and expert input.

He agreed with LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar’s proposals regarding excessive enforcement and the treatment of traders, saying that regulatory action should be fair, proportionate and consistent with the law.

The Speaker further said that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has a great association with the business community and taking great measures to build up confidence of the investors and strengthen the country’s economy. He also praised Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for her efforts to promote development across the province, particularly in improving infrastructure, roads, municipal services and the overall investment environment.

Malik Ahmed Khan assured the LCCI leadership that the Punjab Assembly remained open to dialogue with the business community. He said the proposals presented during the meeting would be reviewed and discussed with the relevant departments and authorities.

LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar said the government should consult the business community before introducing laws and regulations affecting trade, trade, industry and investment. Sustainable economic growth required a business-friendly legal framework, protection against unnecessary harassment and fair implementation of regulatory requirements, he added.

He presented a set of proposed amendments in the Punjab Real Estate Regulatory Authority to the Speaker Punjab Assembly and appreciated the efforts of LCCI Executive Committee Member Shah Behram in this regard. He also called for a review of the Punjab Food Authority Act.

LCCI Senior Vice President Sardar Usman Ghani, Vice President Chaudhry Khadim Hussain, Khawaja Shahzeb Akram and others also spoke on the occasion.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026