Gillani supports LCCI’s call for consultation in lawmaking

LAHORE: Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gillani has said that the business community will be provided an opportunity to present its views and recommendations before relevant Senate standing committees dealing with finance, economics, commerce and industry, saying that effective economic policymaking requires meaningful consultation with stakeholders.

Speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the Senate chairman said that taxation, regulatory challenges, policy discontinuity and the rising cost of doing business were genuine concerns of the business community and must be addressed.

Acknowledging Lahore’s historic role as a center of commerce, industry and entrepreneurship, he applauded the contribution of its business community towards employment generation, industrial development and national prosperity.

Highlighting the role of Parliament, particularly the Senate as the House of Federation, he said its legislative and oversight functions provided an institutional platform for examining economic challenges and facilitating constructive engagement between stakeholders and policymakers.

He assured that the Senate would play its role in promoting a legislative and policy environment that encouraged business community, protected legitimate business interests and advanced national economic priorities.

Gillani encouraged the Lahore Chamber to maintain active and constructive engagement with parliamentary institutions, saying that its practical experience, informed recommendations and sector-specific insights could make a meaningful contribution to legislative deliberations and parliamentary oversight. He said when businesses prospered, employment opportunities expanded and the country became economically stronger.

LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar urged the chairman Senate to play an active role in reviewing business-related legislation, addressing regulatory challenges and creating a more business-friendly environment. He also proposed making the LCCI President an ex-officio member of the Senate’s economic standing committees to ensure direct representation of the business community in the legislative process.

The Chamber’s primary responsibility was policy advocacy, particularly in the areas of legislation and economic policymaking, the LCCI chief stated. However, certain laws had adversely affected the ease and cost of doing business. He drew chairman Senate’s attention to the problems arising from raids, inspections and arrests of businesspeople under various regulatory laws, pointing out that businesses were facing an environment in which businessmen were increasingly apprehensive about conducting their routine economic and industrial activities.

He proposed that violations should, wherever appropriate, be addressed through financial penalties, education and corrective measures instead of immediately resorting to FIRs and arrests.

He further proposed the constitution of a special review committee to examine existing laws and assess their impact on trade and industry.

Member National Assembly Syed Ali Qasim Gillani offered his cooperation to the LCCI in matters relating to legislation at the National Assembly level. He cited the amendment to the Trade Organizations Act as an example of his engagement with the business community, explaining that an anomaly had reduced the tenure of office-bearers of 277 chambers and associations from two years to one year.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026