Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan pledged to use all available resources to resolve the issues and concerns of the business community during a meeting at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry on 19 October. High interest rates, expensive gas and electricity, and heavy taxes are currently driving up production costs for local manufacturers.
Khan stated that a fairer taxation system depends on bringing more businesses and individuals into the tax net. The governor assured the business community that he would relay their legitimate demands to President Asif Ali Zardari.
Efforts are underway to arrange a meeting between the leadership and representatives of the business community. Goods manufactured within the country should be clearly marked as "Made in Pakistan."
Sardar Saleem Haider Khan will instruct university vice-chancellors to create dedicated committees for liaison with the industry, starting with the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry. A focal person will be appointed by the governor's office during the coming week.
The governor also announced the creation of a "Textile Circular City" in Faisalabad. Khan called for the immediate arrest of those involved in the murder of Rehan Ashraf, stating that suspects should be apprehended within the next few hours.
