LCCI urges govt not to harm business activities during PSL matches

Closure of major markets of the city because of cricket match would be a big economic blow to the businessmen, therefore the government should devise a plan to avoid loss to the trade and economic activities.

One day closure of Liberty and other surrounded markets causes a loss of Rs 21 billion to the trade and economic activities.

These views were expressed by the LCCI President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh and Vice President Mian Zahid Jawaid Ahmad, while addressing a press conference at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Tuesday. Former presidents Bashir A Baksh and Sohail Lashari were also present.

The LCCI office-bearers were of the view that revival of international cricket in Pakistan is a healthy sign and would highlight the soft image of the country but trade and economic activities have equal importance, therefore government should make a plan in consultation with the stakeholders to hold the sports event without affecting the trade and economic activities.

They said that sports revival in Pakistan is an ample proof of the reality that Pakistan is a peaceful and safest country. They said that the Lahore Chamber and the business community support efforts of the government aimed at highlighting the soft image of Pakistan's but it is also important that business activities should not be damaged.

They said that during the cricket matches in recent past, Liberty and other markets and restaurants adjacent to Gaddafi Stadium Lahore were ordered to remain closed, which resulted in significant loss of business activities, not only to the traders but to the daily wagers.

The LCCI office-bearers said that a few PSL matches are scheduled to be held in Gaddafi Stadium during the next month. They said if the markets will be closed even during those matches also, the consequences would be worse. The business community and those earning daily wages will face further financial losses.

They said the business community is ready to cooperate with the government to ensure all necessary security measures during these matches, but they also want that the adjacent markets and restaurants should not be forced to remain close during matches.