Gilani links political stability to dialogue

LAHORE: Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has stressed for political stability that could be achieved through dialogue between all political parties as was achieved after Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif signed the Charter of Democracy.

Addressing members of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he said political stability is the cornerstone of economic progress and prosperity. He advised the business leadership to establish robust connections with the political parties. To redress the issues faced by them he promised to arrange direct meetings with the federal ministers and heads of Senate Standing Committees which are headed by members of different political parties in the Senate.

The chairman said that a public-private partnership is important in achieving economic development. He underscored the need for policies that promote manufacturing, value addition, innovation and renewable energy.

‘Hydropower is the best option for affordable and environment-friendly energy,’ he said, adding that agriculture must also remain a top priority,’ he added. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani stressed the importance of increasing agricultural productivity, addressing issues such as adulteration in seeds and pesticides and ensuring the availability of quality inputs. He said that business growth and prospects for commerce and economic development are matters close to his heart. As prime minister, he had focused on industry, trade and economic advancement. He called for collaborative efforts to address challenges and seize opportunities.

He advised that everyone must pay taxes and supported reforms to ensure fairness and transparency in the taxation system. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani supported LCCI’s proposals to restructure or privatise loss-making state-owned enterprises, such as Pakistan Post Office, Pakistan Steel Mills and PIA etc, which have consistently drained the national exchequer.

LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad said like the Senate, the LCCI has also formed sector-specific committees to address industry-specific challenges effectively. He said that private sector should be given representation in the Senate Standing Committees for powerful economic results.

He also called for policy continuity, reducing energy costs and ensuring transparency in governance. He emphasised the importance of creating a business-friendly environment to attract foreign investment. The LCCI president urged the government to introduce export-friendly policies and highlighted the potential of non-traditional export sectors.